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his clients. He devotes himself almost exclusively to his calling and while his comprehensive and well trained mind and large experience and knowledge of men fit him for doing any work needed, it is as a patent lawyer that he is most conspicuous.


ERASMUS JONES KITCHEN.


Erasmus Jones Kitchen, who follows farming and stock-raising in Green township, where he has about six hundred and fifteen acres of land, all in one body, was born August i 1, i836, on the farm which is yet his home, his parents being Abraham and Matilda (Jones) Kitchen. His paternal grandfather was Stephen Kitchen, who was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, about 1785, and on coming to Ohio about 1818 settled in Clark county. He was the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose father was Richard Kitchen, a native of England, who came to the United States about 175o and located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Richard Kitchen married Margaret 'Voorhees, who was the grandmother of Senator Voorhees.


On the old homestead our subject's boyhood days were passed in a manner not unlike most lads of the period. The temple of learning in which he acquired his education was one of the district schools of the county and he received ample training in farm labor by assisting his father in the work of the fields. When about twenty-one years of age he began earning his own livelihood, although he still remained at home. He did not leave the county until 1861, when prompted by a patriotic spirit he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company F, Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while subsequently he became a member of Company M, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. With his command he was sent to aid in the capture of Floyd, at Cotton Mountain, in West Virginia. He was also at Lewisburg and with his regiment was driven back to the Ohio river, fighting all along the way. He participated in the engagements of Dutton Hill, Cumberland Gap, the siege of Knoxville and the battle of Bristol, near the line of Virginia and Tennessee. In January, 1864, he returned home on furlough, having previously veteranized. After spending thirty days in this locality he again went to the south, becoming a member of the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, with which he took part in the battles of Lynchburg and Liberty. At the time the regiment was captured he managed to make his escape by staying in his bunk until daylight. He then went out to give himself up, but as there seemed to be no one looking for him he walked off and eventually made his way to the Union lines, although for a day and a night he lay out in the snow on the mountains and suffered greatly from cold and hunger, three days having passed ere he reached the Union troops. In 1863 he received an honorable discharge, and with a creditable military record he returned to his home.


On the 12th of October, 1865, Mr. Kitchen was married to. Miss Lavina M. Hatfield, a daughter of James and Margaret (Kitchen) Hatfield. After his return froth the war he had purchased eighty' acres of the land upon which he is now living and on which he and his sons made excellent improvements in keeping with the progressive spirit of the times. To his


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farm he has added as opportunity has offered and to-day he is the owner of a valuable tract. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen was blessed with six children: Joseph L., who is living with his father; Abraham, who died at the age of twenty-two years; James, at home; Stephen, who married Josie Alice Stewart; Erasmus J.; and Wayne, who died at the age of ten years. Mr. Kitchen lost his first wife and afterward wedded Miss Sarah M. Bate, of Frankfort, Indiana, with whom he became acquainted while she was visiting in Ohio. She is the daughter of Josiah and Hannah Bate.


Mr. Kitchen belongs to the Free Will Baptist church and was reared in the faith of that denomination. He is a charter member of Mitchell Post, G. A. R., and has attended several national reunions. He also visited the World's Fair in 1893, viewing with interest the indications of the world's progress, as shown in the many exhibits there. In politics he has long been a Republican, and save that he has served as a member of the school board for several years, he has always refused to accept public office. He was a loyal soldier of his country in the hour of her peril and is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as he was when he wore the nation's blue uniform.


JOHN P. NORTH.


John P. North, who is engaged in the grocery business at No. 210 East Pleasant street, in Springfield, was born in Selma, Ohio, February 26, 1856. and was the third son of Patrick and Ann North, both of whom are now deceased, the father having died in 1861. The subject of this review obtained his education in the public schools of his native town and was reared to manhood upon the home farm in Madison township. In 1879, when twenty-three years of age, he came to Springfield and secured employment in the new Champion works, where he remained until June, 1880, when he left that shop and became a salesman in the store owned by his brother, O. E. North. The following year he purchased his interest in the business and in 1889 he became the sole proprietor. In April, 1890, he removed to his present location at No. 210 East Pleasant street. He handles a general line of groceries and provisions and now has a liberal patronage, which has been won by reason of his honorable business methods, his earnest desire to please his patrons and his fair dealing.


In May, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of John P. North and Miss Mary Connor, who was born in Springfield in 1865. Her father, Daniel Connor, was a railroad man and by trade was a brick-molder. For over fifty years he was a resident of Springfield, Ohio, and his death occurred here in the year 1901. In his family were but two daughters : Mary, the wife of our subject; and Catherine. At the time of his marriage Mr. North purchased his present home, which has been blessed by the presence of three children : Charles C.. born in 1889 ; John D., born in 1896; and Elizabeth A., born in 1899:


Both Mr. and Mrs. North are members of St. Joseph's church and he has served as a Member of the of St. Joseph's church and he has served as a member of the church board. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat and has served as a delegate to


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city and county conventions. He belongs to the National Union and to the Springfield Grocery Association. Entering upon his business career with a small capital of only a few hundred dollars, he has attained very creditable and desirable success. He has not only secured a good patronage in the grocery line but has made judicious investments in real estate in the city, and is today a well-to-do and reliable resident of Springfield.


CAPTAIN JOHN S. FOSTER


The patriot who fought and suffered that the Union might be preserved, that this country, now recognized as one of the greatest among the nations, might continue to be great, increasing in strength and power in the future as it has done in the past, is entitled to praise and honor not only in his own generation but in succeeding generations who are entering into the heritage made secure to them by the heroism of the brave soldier boys who wore the blue. Loyal American r citizens never weary of hearing the praises of the brave defenders of the Union, and though much has seen said and written in commendation of them the debt of gratitude which this country owes them can never be fully paid. Captain Foster won distinction upon the field of battle and well does he deserve mention among the representatives of Clark county, who in the hour of the country's peril went, to the defense of the Union.


The Captain is a well known resident of Springfield and this portion of the state. His 'birth occurred upon a farm near Williamsburg, Clermont county, on the 16th of June, 1822, his parents being Thomas and Sarah (Raper) Foster. The father, who was born in what is now Berkeley county, West Virginia, when but a boy removed from the Old Dominion to the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Ohio, in company with his parents and there the grandfather left the family, going to Mason county, Kentucky, with the expectation of settling there but was killed by the Indians and was robbed of all the money which he had taken with him to buy land. His widow; who bore the maiden name of Miss Twigg, was thus left in destitute circumstances, but as best she could she provided for her family, making sacrifices for them that only a mother can and will. There were four sons, Isaac, Israel,. Thomas and John, all of whom became residents of Ohio. Israel was the father of Bishop R. S. Foster, a noted divine of the Methodist Episcopal church.


Thomas Foster, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood near Williamsburg, and during the war of 1812 he served as a lieutenant under Captain Bosler. After the cessation of hostilities he returned home and began farming in the primitive manner of the times, enduring all of the hardships and trials of frontier life: but he labored persistently and energetically and in course of time acquired considerable land and was regarded as one of the wealthy property owners of his time. A man of strong convictions, fearless in defense of what he believed to be right, he was the first resident of his county to cut and harvest without furnishing whiskey for the men employed in the harvest field. He believed this course to be right and therefore nothing could swerve him from his purpose. He married Sarah Raper, a daughter of Leonard Raper, who was an English


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school teacher and as a young man came to this country, settling at Columbia, Ohio, near Cincinnati. Through a long period he followed educational work, being largely engaged in teaching in Clermont county, where he made his home. It was in that county that his daughter Sarah was born, reared and educated. Her brother, William H. Raper, became a pioneer Methodist Episcopal preacher, and it is in his honor that Raper chapel of Dayton is named. Unto Thomas and Sarah (Raper) Foster were born eight children : Elizabeth, who was the wife of George Duckwall; Mary Ann, the wife of Samuel A. Pegg; Eleanor, who was the wife of Henry Weaver; Joseph, who married Susan Ricker ; Margaret, the wife of Ethridge G. Ricker ; Sarah, who followed teaching throughout her entire life; John S., of this review ; and Mahala, who is now the wife of Benjamin Penn. The parents of this family were lifelong members of the Methodist Episcopal church, who labored earnestly and untiringly in behalf of Christian advancement. The father was a Whig and a Republican, and he died in his eighty-sixth year, having long survived his first wife, who passed away at the age of fifty-seven years. For his second wife he married Elizabeth, widow of John Fain, of Williamsburg, and she passed away about fifteen years before his death.


Captain Foster, whose name introduces this record, was reared upon the home farm near Williamsburg, obtaining a good common-school education and then spent one year as a student in a college at Granville, Ohio. After his return 'home he accepted a position as a salesman in the general store of Israel Foster, the father of Bishop Foster, in Kentucky, where he remained for two years, acquiring considerable kncwl-


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edge of mercantile methods during that period. He then embarked in business on his own account, purchasing a stock of goods and establishing a store in Fayetteville, Brown county, Ohio, where he carried on business for four years and then sold out. In 1849 he married Margaret C. Thompson, a daughter of Edward Thompson, a prominent miller of Georgetown, and the young couple began their domestic life in that place, where Captain Foster embarked in business in partnership with his brother-in-law, under the firm style of Foster & Thompson. He was also connected with the building of the first plank road in the county, extending from Georgetown to Higginsport, on the Ohio river, Mr. Foster serving as treasurer of the company which constructed this road. When he had devoted four years to merchandising in Georgetown he then sold out and bought a farm two miles from the city, taking up his abode thereon.



Captain Foster has always been a man of influence because he holds practical views, is progressive and is widely known for his unswerving loyalty and patriotism. These qualities led to his election in the fall of 1854 as an independent candidate for sheriff of Brown county, Ohio. He endorsed the Whig party, but as that party was in the minority it did not put up a ticket and Captain Foster's friends solicited him to make an independent race. This he did and was elected to the office by a majority of eleven hundred and five over Mr. Young, who was nominated ,for re-election by the Democratic party, which usually had a strong majority. When he had served for two years he was re-nominated, but that was the presidential year and party lines being more tightly drawn, he was beaten


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in the race, although he ran six hundred votes ahead of his ticket. On retiring from the office of sheriff he sold his farm and removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he conducted a prosperous business as a real estate dealer for some time, but during the financial panic which involved the entire country in 1857, his fortune was lost and he found himself sixty-two hundred dollars in debt. He then returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, and took a position as auctioneer in a sales stable, with which he was connected also in the buying and selling of horses. At the end of twenty-thee months he had made enough to clear off all indebtedness in. Iowa, and was conducting a prosperous business, when the war broke out. He then engaged in purchasing horses and selling them to the United States government for military use.


On the 9th of July, 1861, a cavalry company, which had been recruited by Captain McIntyre, was to be mustered in at Georgetown, and Captain Foster went to that place to buy horses for the government. Captain McIntyre, however, declined going to the front and the company then met in the courthouse to elect a captain. The choice fell on Mr. Foster, who was given every rote, and he decided to accept the position, so settling up his business he went to Camp Chase, near Columbus, as commander of what was called the Fourth Independent Ohio Cavalry Company. In the following August he was ordered with the company to St. Louis. to report for duty to General Fremont and there acted as provost guard for the city until the campaign through Missouri, to Springfield, that state, was inaugurated. Leaving St. Louis, Captain Foster then acted as one of the body guard for General McKinstry and was thus en gaged until after the capture of Springfield, in the meantime reporting to General Pope. He next returned to Syracuse, Missouri, where a post had been established, and there he acted as commander of the post, which was also used as a shipping point for a number of weeks. After General Pope succeeded. General Fremont, Captain Foster and his company acted as body guard to the former during the campaign through Missouri. Subsequently our subject was ordered to Sedalia. Missouri, and from Booneville went on the campaign with Major Hubbard to look up Poindexter. On the 1st of January, 1862, they attacked the enemy at. Silver Creek and Major Hubbard, being ill, asked Captain Foster to take command. With two hundred and eighty men he made the attack on Poindexter, who was there encamped with nine hundred men, succeeded in defeating him, and captured his camp with one hundred and five tents, one hundred and sixty horses and twenty wagons and teams, and killing and wounding more men than were in his entire command. Captain Foster himself was wounded in the left arm, but he only lost twenty-seven men in killed and wounded in his entire command. Later he was granted a leave of absence that he might return home and care for his wound, but after his recovery at the end of sixty days he returned to the south, finding his 'company at St. Louis serving as body guard to General Hallock, in which capacity they acted until ordered/to Pittsburg Landing. Captain Foster continued as commander of the three companies acting as body guard to General Hallock during the siege of Corinth. and later he reported to General Logan at Jacksonville, Tennessee. The Eleventh Illinois


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Cavalry was on duty in the command of Major Ingersoll, and as Captain Foster had the reputation of being an excellent disciplinarian, he was told to go into camp near the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, which was composed of badly disciplined troops. Major Ingersoll was then put under arrest, that Captain Foster might take command of and discipline his regiment, and there be remained in command, also doing a great amount of scouting in that region with the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry as well as his own company. At the battle of Britton's Lane he was under Colonel Ellis of the Thirty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and acted as aide-de-camp to Colonel Ellis, who had all told less than five hundred men. They were attacked by General Jackson with nine thousand cavalry, who captured their artillery and teams, but not their ammunition, in the first raid. Colonel Ellis and Captain Foster took a good position and withstood their repeated attacks until finally they defeated them, recaptured the wagon train and brought it back to camp, also continuing the fighting until the Confederate troops left the field, the Union troops holding the position until reinforced after the enemy had retired. The next clay they returned to camp at Jackson and the Captain remained in command of his company and of the Eleventh Illinois until the organization of the Army of the Tennessee, when he reported with his men to General McPherson to act as his body guard. He was with him in this capacity during all of his marches around Vicksburg and participated in all the battles of that neighborhood. As there was but a small number of cavalry troops, he was much of the time in command of the advance guard and had the honor of escorting General Grant at the close of the siege of Vicksburg to General Pemberton's headquarters, where the Confederate commander surrendered on the 3d of July. On the 11th of July the Union troops took possession of the city, Sergeant Dugan, of Captain Foster's company, climbing the courthouse steeple and tying there the United States flag with his saber knot.


After the capture of Vicksburg Captain Foster was detailed as a member of the court martial that sat in the courthouse under General Belknap and held military court in that city for six months. At the inauguration of the movement known as the march to the sea, from Chattanoga, he resumed command of his company, acting in General Logan's body guard, and marched from Huntsville, Alabama, to Chattanooga,. preparatory to continuing on across the country to the seaport. From Chattanooga he acted as escort to General McPherson, participating in all the battles up to the time of the expiration of his term of service, in front of Atlanta. There on command of General Sherman, July 12, 1864, he shipped his command from Big Shanty to Cincinnati, Ohio, to be mustered out of service July 20, 1864. During his three years' military duty Captain Foster was in thirty-one battles and skirmishes and the reports show that during the three years Hs company took part in no engagement in which he did not command them.


After being discharged in Cincinnati, Captain Foster was sent to Springfield, Missouri, by the government as an appraiser and inspector of horses,remaining there for about three months or until Price's army drove them out, when he returned to St. Louis and occupied the same position for a number of months. He next returned to Cincinnati and became connected with a


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firm that was buying horses and mules, which were sold to the government and delivered at Lexington, Kentucky. At Lexington the government inspector was discharged for misdemeanor and Captain Foster was appointed as inspector of horses and feed, holding that position in the quartermaster's department until the close of the war. When hostilities had ceased the quartermaster had on hand five thousand horses and mules and entered into a contract with Captain Foster to sell the stock, for which he was to receive three per cent. of the proceeds. He succeeded in making the sale in eleven clays, his commission amounting to fifty-four hundred dollars. While that sale was in progress the quartermaster of North Carolina, having in charge all of the stock, wagons and other property belonging to the army when the war closed, asked Captain Foster to name a price for which he would go to Greensboro, the army headquarters, and take charge of the sale of all government property there. Captain Foster decided to do this for two per cent. of the proceeds and at Greensboro he found seventeen thousand horses and mules, beside the wagons, harness and army equipments, all of which he sold. He divided the stock and at different parts of the state conducted sales, requiring five months to close out all the supplies, and for this work he received eighty-five hundred dollars. While there he formed a partnership with Mr. Day, a brother of the quartermaster, Colonel Day, and leased a cotton plantation of five hundred acres near Goldsboro, North Carolina, on which they raised a crop of cotton. This product was r shipped to New York, where it sold for from sixty to seventy-five cents per pound, but a part of the crop was lost on account of wet weather, so that altogether the investment did not prove profitable. Thus closed an active, important and honorable service in connection With the government as a brave soldier and trusted agent, and certainly the military career of Captain Foster is worthy of the highest commendation, for not only on the field of battle did he display loyalty and bravery. as well as marked valor, but in positions of public trust he was always found faithful to the duties assigned him.


Returning to the quiet walks of civil life, Captain Foster entered into a partnership in the sale of horses in Cincinnati, occupying the same stable which he had left at the time of his enlistment. He purchased his father's old home in Clermont county and resided thereon, carrying on farming for two years, but not feeling satisfied with his condition there, he sold the property and devoted his entire time and attention to dealing in horses and cattle in Cincinnati until his removal to Washington Court House, where he continued in the same business. After a few years he removed to Greenville, where he carried on business and there he admitted his youngest child, John K. Foster, to a partnership in 1885. Since that time they have been associated under the firm name of T. S. Foster & Son. In 1892 they came to Springfield. continuing the old business, and in addition carrying on a livery and coach business. During the last three years the firm has built two of the finest livery barns in the city, both large brick structures. The last one erected is a four-story building with pressed brick front and is probably the finest barn in this section of the state. He is a man of excellent business ability, of sound judgment and keen discrimination. and he has the force of character which enables him



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to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.


Unto Captain and Mrs. Foster were born six children, all of whom reached years of maturity, but Edward T. died at Washington Court House, Ohio, in 1874. Susan T. is now the wife of W. H. Dial, of Washington Court House. Sarah Belle is the wife of B. H. Smith, of the same place. Kate V. became the wife of Hamlin Smith, of Washington Court House, and died leaving a daughter Bertha, who after the death of her father was reared and educated by our subject. She is now the wife of Clyde Minor, of Springfield. Mary V., who for a number of years was engaged in teaching, is now a resident of Greenville, Ohio. John K., as stated, is associated with his father in business. The wife and mother passed away August 2, 1898. She had been a life-long member of the -Methodist Episcopal church and her labors were effective and earnest in the cause of Christianity. Her traits of character were also such as won for her the love and confidence of those with whom she was associated, and her loss throughout the community was therefore deeply deplored.


In politics Captain Foster is a stanch Republican, but has never been an aspirant for office and has served in no political positions save that of sheriff. In 185o he was made a Mason in Georgetown Lodge, No. 39, F. & A. M., and is now a member of Clark Lodge of Springfield. About 1875 he joined John Bell Post, G. A. R., of Washington Court House, and has since been a member of various posts in the different towns in which he has lived, holding membership at the present time with Mitchell Post, No. 45, G. A. R., of Springfield. For many years he served as a delegate to state and national encampments. Captain Foster has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church and it is a noticeable and praiseworthy fact that since the close of the war the Captain has lived in nine different places and in each town he has been chosen as a member of the official board of the Methodist church. He is now a trustee of the Central Methodist Episcopal church of Springfield. His religion is not a matter of Sunday worship, but of every day living, being manifested continually in his honorable dealing with his fellow men. His daily life commands respect and is indeed worthy of emulation, and his career as a soldier, a business man, a citizen and a Christian is one which reflects credit upon the locality with which he is connected.


GEORGE DEAN TURNER.


George Dean Turner is a well known representative of .industrial interests in Springfield, although he has been a resident of the city only since April, 1897. He is now occupying the responsible position of superintendent for the Wickham, Chapman & Company Manufacturing Company.. He was born in Moline, Illinois November 18, 1855, a son of George W. and Abbie J. (Clark) Turner, both of whom are still living. In September, 1902, they celebrated their golden wedding. The former is now seventy-five years of age, and the latter seventy-six years of age. For a number of years they resided in Wisconsin, thence removed to Chicago, Illinois, and in 1900 came to Springfield, where they are now living in a pleasant home on Hubert ave-


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nue. The father is a minister of the Second Adventist church and in early life he was a molder, having learned that trade while a resident of Syracuse, New York, where his early years were passed. On the maternal side the family came from Massachusetts and the great-grandmother in that state lived to the Very advanced age of one hunded and four years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Turner were born five children, two of whom died in infancy, while Delos was accidentally killed in 1879, at the age of sixteen years. Alice is now the wife of Dr. C. E. Miller, of Cadillac, Michigan.


George Dean Turner, the only surviving son of the family, pursued his education in Eau Claire county, Wisconsin. He remained in that county until sixteen years of age, when, in March, 1872, he went to Chicago, Illinois, and there entered upon an apprenticeship to the iron molder's trade. In the spring of 1876, having mastered his trade he began work in the press rooms of the Chicago Times, where -he occupied the position of foreman. He was also for two and one-half years employed in the mailing department of that paper and later he spent a year in California. In April, 1879, he returned to the foundry business, securing a position as a journeyman molder, in which capacity he served until 1886. He then established the .Garden City Foundry, which he operated for eleven years and later he incorporated the business. Under his direction the volume of trade steadily grew until it had reached extensive proportions. He held the offices of president, vice-president and general superintendent. The business was conducted under the style of Turner, Dickinson & Company, but the third member of the firm sold out and Mr. Turner conducted the business for a time or until he disposed of the plant to the Wickham, Chapman & Company Manufacturing Company, remaining with them as general manager. The entire plant was shipped to Springfield, Ohio, in April, 1897, and Mr. Turner has since been superintendent of the work here.


On the 27th of March, 1879, Mr. Turner was married in Chicago to Miss Clara M. Doud. They now have three children. Zelma May, who was born in 1880, is a graduate of the high school of Austin, Illinois, and has been a teacher in the kindergarten in Springfield. Ira Delos died at the age of fourteen years. Abagail, born July 9, 1893, is now in school. The parents hold membership in the Second Adventist church of which Mr. Turner is one of the trustees.


Since age gave him the right of franchise he has been identified with the Republican party, has served as a delegate to county conventions and was an alternate delegate to the Ohio State Convention in 1901. In the same year he was appointed a member of the county executive committee and he was elected a member of the city council from the sixth ward. He is chairman of the city improvement committee and a member of the committee on finance, streets and highways, auditing and claims. He faithfully serves the interests of his constituents and is a public-spirited official, who has put forth every effort in his power to advance the welfare of Springfield. He belongs to Ben Hur Lodge, F. & A. M., of Chicago, and to the Chevaliers, an insurance order.. In the line of his business he has attained. success and prominence and now has under his superivision three hundred and fifty men. He is a member of the Commercial Club and of the Columbian


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Republican Club, and is thus well known in business, social and fraternal circles in this city. His manner is genial and affable, his disposition friendly, and although he has resided in Springfield for a comparatively brief period he has formed a wide acquaintance and is well liked in the city.


WILLIAM H. LUSE.


He who tills the soil adds much to the prosperity of his community, for it has everywhere been demonstrated that the agricultural interests of any state and country are the very bone and sinew from which is nurtured the body of that state or country, therefore the life of the same depends upon the success of the agriculturist. William Luse comes of a family who have long been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and who have been honored pioneer settlers of Clark county, taking an important part in the up-building and improvement which has here taken place within the past century, and leaving a stainless and respected name to their descendants.


He was born October 13, 1846, in the house which is yet his home, having been built by his grandfather, Justice Luse. He is a son of John and Martha Luse. Justice Luse, the grandfather, was the first of the Luse family to come to Clark county, Ohio, his arrival here being about the year 1804. His family consisted of his wife, Mary Luse, and his five children, William, Betsey, Thomas, John and Nancy, the last two being small children at the time. William, the eldest son, followed farming in Clark county, where he owned one hundred acres of land, which he cleared, improved and cultivated. His death occurred in September, 1843, leaving a wife and one child, Josephus William. Betsey became the wife of Benjamin Rowan, lived in Madison township, Clark county, and died, leaving six children. Thomas was the father of Samuel Theodore Luse, whose sketch appears upon another page of this work. Nancy., the fifth and youngest child of Justice Luse, married Jacob Garlough and became the mother of six children, but is now deceased.


John Luse, the fourth member of the family of Justice and Mary Luse, was born in 1799 and was therefore but five years of age when brought by his parents to Clark county, Ohio. Here he was reared to manhood and became a wealthy and influential farmer and stock-raiser, dealing extensively in good graded stock and owning and operating a large farm of six hundred and twenty-five acres of land in Clark county. He was married in Green township, Clark county, first to Miss Mary Hume, and one child was the offspring of this marriage, who died in infancy. Death claimed the young wife and the second marriage of Mr. Luse took place east of Springfield, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Martha Reed, a daughter of Mr. Bird. By this marriage were born three children : Laura J. became the wife of Harvey Tuttle and resides in Licking county, Ohio. They are the parents of nine children. William H. is the subject of this review and the only son of his parents. Mary C. married William Tuttle, who died, leaving her a widow with three children. John Luse was a prominent man of his community and took a deep interst in the growth and development of his county. He was a Whig in politics, and living to see the inauguration of the Republican party, he afterward voted for each


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of its presidential candidates until his death. Although firm in his political views he was not a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his time. and attention to the supervision of his extensive landed and stack-raising interests. He was actively identified with the building of good roads and was a member and the first president of the Turnpike Company of Clifton, and was also one of the first stockholders in the same. A member of the First Baptist church of Springfield, he served as one of its deacons for thirty-five years, and in his community the cause of Christianity had no more earnest advocate than he. His upright life and sterling worth of character endeared him to many friends and he was a valued member of the social and business life of his township.


His only son, William H. Luse, spent his boyhood clays upon the home farm, the place of his birth, which had been purchased by his grandfather, Justice Luse. Here he received a common-school education, thus fitting him for life's practical duties. When he had arrived at man's estate he was married on the 13th .of February, 1873, to Miss Susan Cloud, who was born at Yellow Springs, Greene county, a daughter of Joseph Cloud. Her mother having died when she was an infant, she never remembers to have seen her, nor does she know her name. With the exception of five years spent in Springfield, from 1878 until 1883, Mr. Luse and his wife have resided upon the home place. On the death of his mother, in May, 1901, he inherited two hundred and nineteen acres of land, which he still owns and operates. He, like his father and grandfather, has a natural liking for agricultural pursuits, and the latest improved methods in farm work are taken advantage of by him in the conduct of his highly cultivated farm, whereon are raised the cereals adapted to soil and climate, as well as a good grade of stock. The passer-by would not fail to note the thrifty and neat appearance of the home and, the fields surrounding it, and would at once class it among the model farms of the rich agricultural county of Clark.


Eight children have graced the union of Mr. Luse and his wife: Laura Belle is the wife of Samuel Pearson and resides near Springfield; James Clifford chose as a life partner Susie Wagner and they are the proud parents of a little daughter, Mildred; Martha Cloud is the wife of Clarence Northrup and has one child. Olive: John Bird is living in Allegheny, Pennsylvania ; Paul Grafton is employed in a wholesale drug house in Columbus, Ohio ; William Herbert resides at home with his parents: Ida May and Arthur are also under the parental roof.


Mr. Luse has supported the Republican party since casting his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln. In his township he has served on the board of education and has held other local offices. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of whose official board he is also a member. The name of Luse is honored as among the pioneer settlers of the district and William H. Luse is a worthy representatitve of the family.


WILLIAM POOLE.


William Poole. whose successful career excites the admiration of all who are acquainted with his history, has since 1895 been engaged in contracting and building on his own account. At the same time he be-


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longs to that class of typical representative American citizens, who, while promoting individual prosperity, have contributed to the general welfare and improvement. He has always lived in the Mississippi valley, his birth having occurred in Danville, Illinois. August 26, 1863. His father, Lemuel Poole, was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 11, 1833, and his parents, Hiram and Elizabeth Poole, were early settlers of this county, where they remained until called to their final rest. The latter was a native of England and by her marriage she became the mother of two children, the son being Lemuel Poole, the father of our subject, while the daughter was Mary, who became Mrs. Miller. of Paulding county, Ohio.


Lemuel Poole was educated in the common schools, learned. the carpenter's trade and also served an apprenticeship to the gunsmith's and locksmith's trades. He was reared in his native county, possessed much natural mechanical genius and for a number of years was employed as a stationery engineer. He has traveled quite extensively and has followed his trades in Indiana and Illinois, but in 1868 returned to Clark county. Ohio, the place of his nativity. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucy Nason, was also born in this county, November 28, 1839. Their marriage was celebrated in 1855 and Mrs. Poole died July 12, 1893. They were the parents of four children Frank, a carpenter of this city ; Alice, the wife of Ed A. Rice, of Logan county, Ohio ; Emma, the wife of James E. Dudley, of Springfield ; and William. The first two were born in Clark county, the third in Indiana and our subject in Illinois, and all received the advantages of a public-school education. The father was a soldier of the Civil war, serving for three years in defense of the Union.


William Poole, whose name introduces this sketch, was educated in the public schools and when thirteen years of age began working at the carpenter's trade under Smith Dudley. For several years he was employed as a journeyman and then, having thoroughly mastered the business and become an expert in his line, he served as foreman in the employ of various contractors and builders. In 1895 he began contracting on his own account and the first contract awarded him was a public building of the city. He has erected the residences of William Blees and of Messrs. Warders and John Harshman. He also built the new amphitheater and casino in the park, and the residence of Guy Coblentz. He has worked faithfully at his trade and has met with success, having established an excellent reputation for honesty and capability. His patronage is constantly increasing and he now furnishes employment to fifteen men during tie building season.


In 1882, in Springfield, Mr. Poole w united in marriage to Miss Effie Hawken, a most estimable and cultured lady, who was was born in this city, in October, 1863, and is a daughter of Henry C. and Sarah (Kindell) Hawken, who are yet living here. She is the eldest of three children, the others being Mabel and Earl K., the latter the leader of the Cadet Band. Mrs. Poole is a graduate of 'the public schools here and is a well read lady, whose friendly manner and genial disposition render her a favorite in social circles. the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city being freely extended to both Mr. and Mrs. Poole. This worthy


514 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


young couple now have two daughters, Saidee M. and Myrtle Irene, both of whom are graduates of the public schools and have taken a two years' course in high school.


Mr. Poole is a stanch advocate of the Republican party, has frequently been a delegate to city and county conventions and in 1900 he was elected member of the city council for a two years' term, and has taken an active interest in promoting the welfare of his constituents and in advancing general improvements in Springfield. He holds membership with the Knights of the Golden Eagle, has passed all of the chairs in the local order, has served for twelve years as master of records and has been captain of the uniformed rank since 1892. Mrs. Poole is a member of the ladies auxiliary of this order and she too has been honored with many offices and for two years has served as grand templar of the .Grand Temple of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Poole are interested in church and charitable work and are highly esteemed people of Springfield, whose circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.


THOMAS S. RAYNER.


With a thorough knowledge of the builder's art and with a capacity for controlling business affairs of large scope in his line, Thomas S. Rayner advanced to a leading position among the contractors and builders of Springfield and his enterprise and diligence have made him a successful man. He was born in this city August 14, 1852, and is of English lineage. His paternal grandparents, John and Sarah Rayner, were born, reared and married in England. The form er was a cabinet-maker by trade and his excellent ability made him noted for his fine work. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years and was buried in Green-mount cemetery, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-four years, both dying in Springfield. They had but two children, and the daughter Mrs. Sarah Coman, died in this city in 1902, at the advanced age of more than ninety years.


John Rayner, their son and the father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1820 and was a lad of sixteen years when with his parents he came to America, the family settling at Buffalo, New York. There he became familiar with the lakes and with marine life and traffic, and to prevent his becoming a sailor the family removed to Springfield, Ohio, in the latter part of the 30s. In early manhood John Rayner learned the carpenter's trade and followed that continuously for forty years, doing a general contracting business. He devoted his time largely to the erection of fine residences and many of the leading homes built in Springfield during his day stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork. He was also a leading and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was one of the organizers of the Center Street church and was also among those who colonized the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, and he put forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of Christianity and of the denomination with which he was affiliated. He occupied various offices in the church and was a licensed exhorter but did not regularly engage in that branch of Christian activity. In politics he was a Republican where matters of state and national im.portance were involved, but at local elections he voted independently. In early man-


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hood he wedded Ann Johnson, who was born in. Yorkshire, England, in 1821, and when a child came to this country with her mother. She was the youngest of three children, the others being Richard and Mrs. Amelia Stickney. The family resided in Columbus, Ohio, for several years, and there the children were educated but all are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rayner were born the following named : Sarah, the widow of Frank Matoon, who resides at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Richard, who was a soldier of the Civil war and is a machinist of this city ; Margaret, the wife of A. J. Chatfield, who conducts a steam laundry in Xenia, Ohio ; John, who is living in Rochester, Pennsylvania ; and Thomas S., of this review. The parents were married in Springfield and the children were all born, reared and educated here. The old home place of the family was built by the father at No. 177 West High street. Both he and his wife died while visiting their daughter in Xenia. but were buried in Springfield. The father passed away in 1898 and the mother's death occurred in December, 1901, and she was laid by his side in Greenmount cemetery. Both were earnest Christian people of the highest respectability. Generous to a fault, benevolent and kindly, they took a very active part in church work, Mr. Rayner being a leader in advancing the cause of his denomination in this community. He was a man of strong personality, of marked force of character and sterling worth, and he drew around him a large circle of friends, who entertained for him the highest regard. and respect. He left the impress of his individuality not only upon the material development of Springfield but also upon its moral progress and improvement, and his memory yet remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.


Thomas S. Rayner was the third child and second son in his parents' family. He spent his early years in attending the public schools and at the age of fourteen he went into the country, where he worked upon the farm during the summer months, while the winter season was spent in attending the district schools. At the age of nineteen, however, he returned to the city and here followed carriage painting for one year, in the employ of John A. Shannon. On the expiration of that period he became an apprentice to his father at the carpenter's trade and 'worked with him for two years,. after which he was employed by J. M. Deardorff for a time. He also worked with others, wishing to learn the business methods of other men and broaden his mind and opportunities in business affairs. When. he had mastered the trade he worked as a journeyman until 1880, when he opened a general jobbing shop at the west end of the city building on South Center street. There he conducted business for seven years, during which time he not only secured a good trade hut also formed a wide acquaintance among business men, so that his patronage steadily increased. He began the general contracting business on a small scale, for it was necessary to make a reputation in order to compete with men older in the business than himself. Gradually, however, his skill and ability became recognized, his field of labor was extended and he is now acknowledged to he one of the leading contractors and builders of the city, employing ten men during the busy season. When James Johnson, Sr., was serving as postmaster of Springfield, Mr. Rayner was


516 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD


appointed a mail carrier and also held that position under the administration of F. M. Hagen and during a part of the term of office of P. M. Cartwell, serving in that capacity altogether for five years. He then returned to his trade which he has followed continuously since. He has erected three additions to the Bushnell building, also built the St. John's Lutheran church, remodeled the Second Presbyterian church and has erected many residences including A. W. Grant's home, which now adorn the city. He was also superintendent of construction of the Masonic Home during the entire time of its building. He has a thorough knowledge of his trade in all its departments and possesses natural mechanical genius, which has been developed through experience and labor until Mr. Rayner is a thorough master of the builder's art.


On the 27th of October, 1882, in Springfield, occurred the marriage of Mr. Rayner and Miss Mary A. Kizer, who was born in German township, Clark county, in 1863. Her parents died during her early girlhood and she was reared by an aunt. To our subject and his wife have been born two children : Nellie G., who was born in 1883; and Benjamin D., born in 1887. Both have received high school educations. Mr. Rayner purchased a lot and erected a pleasant home for his family at No. 398 West Cedar street. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he belongs to Clark Lodge, No. Tot, F. & A. M.; and Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. In politics he is a Democrat and has frequently served as a delegate to county and state conventions and has been a member of the central committee. His entire life has been passed in Clark county and with the exception of the short period devoted to farm work he has always lived in Springfield. He has a wide acquaintance in his native city and that many who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends is an indication that his career has ever been honorable and upright. worthy of the regard of those with whom he has been associated. The success, which crowns persistent labor, guided by sound judgment is his, and Springfield now numbers him among its substantial citizens.


CHARLES O. YEAZELL


Death frequently removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose. but the memory of a useful and upright life still bears its influence for good in the world. Widespread and deep was the regret that was felt when Charles O. Yeazell was called to his final rest for he was a young man of excellent attainments. strong mentality and bright promise, but he left behind him an untarnished name and though his life record was but brief it reflected credit upon a family which has long been an honored one in Clark county.


Mr. Yeazell's parents were John W. and Sarah (Ferguson) Yeazell, of New Moorefield, who are represented elsewhere in this work. Under the parental roof the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and at the usual age began his education, attending the Vernon district school. When he had mastered the branches of learning there taught he entered the Urbana high school and was graduated on the completion of the regular course. For a time he was also a student in Delaware College and in Wooster College and when his literary edu-


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cation was completed he came to Springfield, where he began preparing for a profession, which he wished to make his life work—that of the law. He entered the office of Pringle & Johnson, well known attorneys of this city, and while pursuing his law studies he also engaged in .the real estate business, in which he was very successful. He had a broad and comprehensive knowledge of realty values and this enabled him to assist his clients in making judicious investments in property. He was also very courteous and obliging and this won him many friends as well as patrons. In 1893 Mr. Yeazell was admitted to the bar and opened an office in the Gotwald building, in Springfield. It seemed that a bright future was opening for him because he had come to the bar thoroughly equipped for practice. He had largely mastered the principles of the science of jurisprudence, had been an earnest and discriminating. student, possessed moreover business ability of a high order and added to this was a personality which made him popular and gained for him the good will and confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact. He had been a member of the bar for only a brief period, however, when his life record was terminated in death and he passed away the 7th of February, 1893. his remains being interred in Ferncliff cemetery.


On the 1st of January, 1880, Mr. Yeazell had married Miss Emma Miller, a native of Columbia, Missouri, and theirs was a happy married life. Their union was blessed with two children : Leona and Edwin N. The latter resides in Columbia. Missouri, where he is engaged in the shoe business with his maternal uncle. For nine Years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Yeazell resided with his parents and then removed to the city of Springfield. They had gained many friends here, enjoying the hospitality of a large number of the best homes.


Mr. Yeazell held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Catawba and with the encampment of Springfield, and he belonged to the Center Methodist Episcopal church. In politics a stalwart Republican, he -was ever active and earnest in support of the party and its principles, believing it the duty of every American citizen to stand firmly by the cause which he thought would prove of greatest benefit to the nation. Having spent his entire life in Clark county, Mr. Yeazell was quite widely known. His business affairs, too, had been the means. of bringing to him an extended acquaintance and with those with whom he came in contact he always left a favorable impression, because of his gentlemanly demeanor, his unfailing courtesy and deference for the opinions of others. He was known to be reliable, trustworthy and sincere and he held friendship inviolable, while to his family he was a devoted husband and father. Mrs. Yeazell now resides with her. daughter in a fine home at No. 81 East Pleasant street, and she, too, has many friends in Springfield.


HENRY NAWMAN


Henry Nawman, deceased, was born in German township during the early period of Clark county's development and through more than sixty years was known as a leading- and representative citizen of his community. His natal day was July 16, 1817, his birth occurring upon the farm which is still occupied by his widow. His parents


518 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD


were Thomas and Catherine (Baker) Nawman, who were pioneer settlers of German township and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of this portion of Ohio. Henry Nawman acquired a good common school education, pursuing his studies through the winter months when his services were not needed on the home farm. He lived in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period, taking his place as a hand in the fields at an early age, and thus he gained a broad and practical experience of farm work.



On the 29th of March, 1855, Mr. Nawman married Miss Ingebee Jane Rhonemus, of Clark county, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, August 17, 1834, a daughter of William and Matilda (Clark) Rhonemus. Her father was born and reared in Clinton county, while her mother's birth occurred in Virginia, where she remained until she attained to womanhood. Both were well educated people and successfully engaged in teaching in early life. After their marriage the father turned his attention to farming, while Mrs. Rhonemus continued her work as a teacher for a number of years. Removing to Indiana Mr. Rhonemus purchased land there, but on account of poor health he could not till his fields and therefore returned to Clinton county, Ohio, whence he afterward came to Clark county. Mrs. Nawman had resided in this county for about two years prior to her marriage. She was taken as a bride to the home farm upon which she now resides, Mr. Nawman having inherited about seventy acres of land here. His parents made their home with the young couple until called to their final rest. As the years passed, children to the number of twelve' were added to the family. Clara is now the wife of John Kunkle. of Clark coun ty, and they have eight children. Samuel G. is married and has one child. Thomas -wedded Alice Hinkle, by whom he had four children, and for his second wife he chose Mrs. Mary Yerkle, nee Baker. Louisa died at the age of fourteen years and six months. William is living in the west. Mary died at the age of fifteen years. Webster married Mrs. Elizabeth Henkle, in Donovan, and they have three children. Catherine became the wife of Charles Wey and has one child. Matilda married Albert Greene and with their two children they reside in Clark county. Amanda is the wife of Jesse Belt, of Springfield, and has two children. Andrew married Leah Harris and they have four children. Henry wedded Emma Collison and they have two children.


In his political views Mr. Nawman was a Democrat in early life, but subsequently became a Republican and was fearless in defense of his honest convictions. He was a man of medium height, heavy build, with light hair and blue eyes. Being of a rather reserved nature he made friends slowly, but he never lost one, and his family and friends knew him as a pleasant, genial gentleman, of generous disposition. He was always willing to aid in good and worthy causes and the sterling traits of his manhood were such as are well worthy of emulation. He carried on farm work until his death, which occurred June 24, 187o. When he died there were twelve children in the family, the eldest being little more than fourteen years of age, while the youngest was only • three weeks old. The mother, with brave and resolute spirit, kept them all together until they were grown, giving to each a fair common school education. It was almost a herculean task and her neighbors predicted that she could not do it, but by great per-


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severance and untiring labor she accomplished it and she certainly deserves the gratitude and the love of her children for what she did for them. She is a most estimable lady and has furnished to the world a worthy example of devoted and self-sacrificing motherhood.


JOSEPH E. HEFFELFINGER.


The large business interests capably controlled and managed by Joseph E. Heffelfinger indicate his business capacity and executive force and the financial reward of his labor has been adequate. placing him among the men of affluence in Springfield. His position is that of manager of the Union Central Life Insurance Company, of Cincinnati, for the central Ohio district, his offices being in the Bushnell building.


Mr. Heffelfinger was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1844, and a son of William and Margaret (Bistle) Heffelfinger. The father, also a native of the Keystone state, was in the county wherein his son's birth occurred, and by occupation he was a farmer. Being left motherless when only eleven years of age, Joseph E. Heffelfinger started out to make his own way in the world two years later, having previous to this time attended the public schools, where he acquired a good practical education. He made his way to Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, where he had a: brother living, and there he worked as a farm hand, at first receiving only five dollars per month. He was thus employed when he attempted to enlist soon after the breaking out of the Civil war, but was rejected. however. on account of light weight. At the time of the Morgan raid in Ohio he enlisted for six months and was located at Camp Dennison. After his company was disbanded Mr. Heffelfinger accepted a position as sutler's clerk in the Army of the James, and was later in the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war.


Mr. Heffelfinger returned to Kenton, Ohio, in 1865, and in the spring of 1868 he became interested in the insurance business at West Liberty, representing the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati, soon after its organization. His capability in this line was soon recognized and he was promoted to a general agency. Later, in 1876, he removed to Springfield to assume the management of the affairs of the company in central Ohio and has since continued in that position, making thirty-four years' service with the same company, during which time over thirty million dollars' worth of business has passed through his hands. In point of service he is today the oldest general agent in the company, and it is needless to say that he has the entire confidence and high regard of the officials., as his long retention in the important position he now fills plainly indicates that fact.


In 1870 Mr. Heffelfinger was united in marriage to Miss Dora McDonald at West Liberty, Ohio. Her father, Major James McDonald. was of Scotch nativity and prior to the Civil war was engaged in the wholesale dry goods business. During that struggle he served as division quartermaster in the Army of the Cumberland, and was also on the staffs of General Stedman and General Thomas. Unto Mr.. and Mrs. Heffelfinger were born four children, namely.: Maud, now the wife of C. J. McDiarmid, an attorney at Cincinnati ; Nellie E., who died in 1901 ; Mabel J., the wife of Harry E. Bauer ; and Gwendolyn. now Mrs.


520 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


John A. Bookwalter, of Springfield. The wife and mother died in 1877, and in June, 1879, Mr. Heffelfinger married her sister, Miss Gertrude McDonald. The family hold membership in the High Street Methodist Episcopal church and occupy quite a prominent position in social circles. Fraternally Heffelfinger is a prominent Mason, belonging to Clark Lodge, No. F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M. ; and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T. He is a man of marked business and executive ability, of keen perception and unbounded enterprise, his success in life being due entirely to his own efforts, and he deserves prominent mention among the leading and representative citizens of this section of the state.


HARRY S. MELLINGER.


Harry S. Mellinger, who is successfully carrying on farming and stock-raising in Springfield township, four miles from the city of Springfield, was born on the homestead where he yet resides in the year 1861, his parents being John H. and Rachel Mellinger. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Mellinger, a native of Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated westward to r Clark county, Ohio, locating on the farm which is now the home of our subject. In his family were four children : Mary who is now living in Springfield; John H.; Martha, the wife of Montgomery Patten, of Springfield; and Jacob, also of that city, who married Ella Wheeler and has one child, Frank.


John H. Mellinger, the father of our subject, was a native of Lancaster- county, Pennsylvania, born in 1837, and there spent the days of his childhood and youth. When about six years old- he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, taking up his abode upon a farm in Mad River township, two miles southwest of the home of Harry S. Mellinger, and after his marriage purchased the farm on which our subject now resides. He wedded Mrs. Rachel (Line) Rosser, and unto them were born five children, namely Harry S., of this review ; Emma Rosser, the wife of David Heer, of Springfield, by whom she has one child, Harry ; Martha, the wife of Harry Hedges, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; John, who is living in Springfield ; and Annie, who married Robert Mills' and had three children, Robert, Rachel and Ralph. Her death occurred on the 6th of May, 1901. The mother now resides in Springfield, but the father died August 27, 1896. For many years he was engaged in stock buying and was an extensive stock shipper. He spent much of his time upon the road and he thus became widely known as an upright, honorable business man, who gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact. He never forgot a face nor a name and could always remember a man whom he had once met. Genial and courteous in manner, he made a host of warm friends wherever he went. and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him.


On the old homestead Harry S. Mellinger was reared and the place is therefore endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as of later years. It was his playground in youth, his training ground for the practical duties of life, and it has been the scene of his activities through manhood. He has always engaged in raising stock and in general farming on


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this place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of good land located on the Fairfield pike four miles from Springfield.


Mr. Mellinger was united in marriage to Miss Emma Flenner, of Hamilton county, Ohio, a daughter of Charles and Cora Flenner, who now reside in Hamilton, where her father was at one time engaged in the livery business. Our subject and his wife have one child, Harry Flenner, born June 30, 1902.


In his political views Mr. Mellinger is a Republican and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. Frank and jovial, his genial nature has won him many friends. He is now in comfortable financial circumstances and is recognized as one of the enterprising farmers of the community, well liked by all who know him.


WILLIAM C. STEWART.


William C. Stewart. a large land owner now living a retired life at No. 325 South Limestone street in Springfield, where he is enjoying the fruits of long years of diligent labor, represents one of the old and honored pioneer families of Clark county. He was born on the old homestead in Green township October 27, 1835, and is a son of John T. and Ann (Elder) Stewart, in whose family he was the ninth in order of birth. His boyhood clays were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads. He worked in the fields and meadows and attended the common schools. His father died when the son was fourteen years of age, but the latter remained at home with his mother until he had attained his majority. He then took posses-


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sion of the old home farm and cared for his mother until a short time before her death. In his youth he gained a practical experience of farm work and was thus well qualified to carry on agricultural pursuits on his own account when he had reached the age of manhood. He inherited one hundred and twenty-nine acres of land from his father's estate and for several years after reaching his majority he remained on the old homestead, carrying on general farming. To his original tract of land he added from time to time as he succeeded in his operations and he now owns in one body over five hundred acres of very valuable and productive land in Green township, Clark county, and in Greene county.


On the 9th of September, 1880, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Elizabeth Theodosia Sellers, of Cedarville township, Greene county, Ohio, where she was born. Her parents were Albert and Harriet ( Johnson) Sellers. By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Hazel Marie, who was born in 1888 and is now a student in the public schools of Springfield. In 1895 our subject and his wife removed to the city, where Mr. Stewart has since lived a retired life. They came to Springfield in order to provide their daughter with better educational privileges and have gained many friends during their residence here.


Mr. Stewart is recognized as a man of strong purpose and inflexible honesty and has enjoyed the unqualified respect of his neighbors. His advice has often been sought on important business arising in the vicinity of his home. In politics he is a Republican and he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont only about twelve days after he had attained his majority. He is a charter member of Clifton Lodge, No. 669, K. of P. At


524 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


the time of the Civil war he joined what was known as the "Squirrel Hunters." a company called to protect Cincinnati from Morgan's men, but was only on duty for ten days. For several years he was a member of the state militia. In 1876 he attended the centennial celebration held in Philadelphia. He has always been a careful and broad reader and is a well informed man. He has been interested in church work and in public movements for the general good, has followed the even tenor of his way and by an upright life has commanded the respect of his friends and neighbors.


LOUIS F. OVER


Louis F. Over is a young man of keen foresight, strong determination and executive ability, whose efforts in the business world have been of a nature to promote the general prosperity as well as his individual success. He is now an active factor in manufacturing circles in Springfield, Ohio, being the secretary and treasurer of the Miller Improved Gas Engine Company. Mr. Over was born in Bellaire, Belmont county, Ohio, May 24, 1868, and is a son of C. H. Over, whose birth occurred in Germany about 1842. With. his parents the father of our subject came to America when a child, the family settling in Wheeling, West Virginia. The grandfather was a manufacturer of shovels in Germany and both he and his wife spent their remaining days in Wheeling. In their family were seven children, of whom two sons and a daughter reached years of maturity and are still living. Frederick was a soldier of the Civil war and was incarcerated in Libby prison for eleven months. He responded to President Lincoln's first call for troops and remained in the army until the close of the war. He now resides in Muncie, Indiana. A daughter, Louise Joy, is a resident of Martin's Ferry, Ohio.


The father of our subject received but limited educational privileges. but prospered in business and is now living in honorable retirement from labor in Muncie, Indiana. For a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of glass. After his marriage he came to Ohio and established a glass factory in Bellaire, where he continued until 1888. when he removed to Indiana. and there engaged in the same line of manufacturing on a very extensive scale, carrying on business successfully until 1900, when he disposed of his holdings and has since lived retired. He is a self-made man and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. At the time of the Civil war he served in the Union army as a non-commissioned officer of the First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He has also taken an active interest in religious work and is a valued member of the Presbyterian church. Charles H. Over was united in marriage to Matilda Gayman, who was born in Wheeling in 1846. Unto them have been born three children, of whom two are living. one daughter having died in early life. The others are : Mrs. Dr. A. K. Smith, of Muncie, Indiana, and Louis F., of this review.


Louis F. Over, whose name introduces this record, obtained a common school education and attended Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, largely studying scientific branches. He was graduated in 1887 and then became connected with glass manufacturing. as his father's associate in business. This relation was maintained


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until the father's retirement from active business life and during that period they built several factories in Indiana, Mr. Over of this review, having the management of the practical glass making. He remained in the capacity of superintendent until 1901, and in that year he came to Springfield, where he purchased an interest in the Miller Improved' Gas Engine Company, of which he has since been secretary and treasurer. A disastrous fire occurred in that year, in which their plant was destroyed, but they immediately rebuilt a larger and more complete plant at the corner of Fair and Plenn streets. The plant is devoted exclusively to, the manufacture of large gas engines and the business is constantly increasing in volume, importance and magnitude, having become one of the leading industries of this city.


In 1890, in Muncie, Indiana, Mr. Over was united in marriage to Miss Adah Kirby, who was born in Muncie, and is a daughter of John M. Kirby, a wholesale lumber merchant of that city. In this family were four children, three daughters and a son. Mr. and Mrs. Over now have one -son, Charles H., who was born in 1897, and they reside in a modern and attractive home at the corner of East High street and Forest avenue. Mr. Over is a member of Delaware Lodge, & A. M., of Muncie, and also belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and to the United Commercial Travelers' Association. He has always been identified with manufacturing interests, having spent about twenty years in glass making. He has a thorough understanding of the great mechanical principles which underlie the work, is able to superintend much of his work therefore, and at the same time is giving his attention in an exclusive manner to the con- trol of the business management of the house with which he is identified. He possesses energy, discrimination, laudable am- bition and perseverance, and these qualities prove a safe foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of business succeess.


COLONEL GEORGE SINTZ.


To have fought for one's country, to have faced danger and death on the battle-field forms a record well worthy of perpetuation. He whose name introduces this record fought in the service of his country and true to the flag of the Union for almost three years he aided his country in her struggle to suppress the rebellion of the south and to continue the nation one and undivided.


Colonel Sintz was born in Springfield township, Clark county, in 1846 and is a son of Peter and Hester A. (Shellenbarger) Sintz. His paternal grandfather, Peter Sintz, came from Virginia to Ohio in an early day, locating on a farm which is now the home of our subject. There he owned about two thousand acres of land, on which he erected two gristmills and two sawmills, and one of each is still standing. He took an active part in the early development and progress of this portion of the state and was a leading and influential resident of his community.


Peter Sintz, Jr., the father of our subject, was born and reared about a mile from the Colonel's homestead. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Hester A. Shellenbarger, by whom, he had four children, namely : George; Clark, who is living in Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Mary E.. who is a resident of Zion City, Illinois ; and Mrs.


526 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


Clara Halloway, who is living in Springfield, Ohio.


The early boyhood days of Colonel Sintz were spent in his parents' home, but when only fifteen years of age he offered his services to his country, imbued with a patriotic desire to aid in the preservation of the Union. It was in 1862 that he joined Company A, of the Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until sixteen years of age, when he was discharged on account of ill health. The following year, however, he again joined the army, becoming a member of the Sixteenth Ohio Independent Battery of Light Artillery. He remained with that command until the close of the war and was mustered out in 1865. He took part in the battle of Tate's Ford, .near Lexington, Kentucky, on the 8th of October, 1862, the day on which he was sixteen years of age. He organized the Springfield Light Artillery in 1883, this command afterward becoming the Fifth Battery. He commanded this battery for five years and when it was organized as a regiment of artillery he was elected lieutenant colonel, serving for four years in that capacity. On account of ill health he then resigned and went to the west, where he remained for about eleven years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio to take charge of and manage his father's. estate.


Colonel Sintz was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Latimer, a daughter of John. Latimer, who was one of the first sheriffs of Clark county, Ohio. Her mother's maiden name was Martha Brown, and her parents came from the north of Ireland, locating in this section of Ohio. Unto the Colonel and his wife has been born one daughter, Aimee Olive.


The Colonel was a member of Stephens Post, G. A. R., of Seattle, Washington, and a Charter member of Mitchell Post, of Springfield. In his. political views he is a Republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never been an aspirant for office. Well known throughout his native county, he has a wide acquaintance here, and among these are many friends who esteem him highly for his genuine worth. His name is certainly deserving of a place on the roll of honor of the Civil war.


GEORGE FOLLRATH.


George Follrath deserves great credit for the admirable way in which he has built up the fire department of Springfield, and he is today the valued chief engineer of that organization. He has realized that by reason of the rapid growth and development Of the city, it should have a metropolitan fire system, one adequate to the demands of a place of its size, and to this end he has labored continuously and effectively for a number of years.


Mr. Follrath is one of Ohio's native sons. his birth having occurred in Springfield, November 23, 1852. His father, Henry Follrath, was born in Hesse Darmstadt. Germany, and there pursued his education. When a young man, prior to his marriage, he came direct to this city and was employed in various lines of business. During the latter years of his residence here he followed undertaking being thus engaged at the time of his death, which occurred when he was sixty-two years of age. He had married Anna B. Seifert, who was also a native of the fatherland and is now living at the ripe


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old age of eighty-two years. She came from Germany to America in 1848, and like her husband was educated in the common schools of that country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Follrath were born five children, one of whom died in infancy, while those living are : George; Flora, the wife of Squire Riegle, of this city; Henry, who is engaged in the commission business on West High street ; and William D., who is foreman for Follrath & Company, tinners. The children were all provided with good educational advantages in the public schools of Springfield.


At the usual age George Follrath began his education, which he continued until he was thirteen years of age, when he entered upon an apprenticeship to the carriage maker's trade under the direction of the firm of E. & J. Driscoll. He remained with that house for a time and then went into business with the H. Field Manufacturing Company, as a partner. They engaged in the manufacture of buggies and carriages until the company was finally merged into the Field-Johnson Carriage Company, the business being thus continued from 1875 until 1890. The firm was among the best known in this part of the state and carried on a large and profitable business until 1890, when the plant was sold. Mr. Follrath acted as foreman of the paint department. He was a mechanic of good ability and from a humble position gradually worked his way upward. He started in business for himself on West Main street in the manufacture and repair of carriages, and in the undertaking had to compete with machine-made goods. He succeeded in securing a good patronage; however, and continued the business from 1890 until the 1st of September, 1895, when he sold out and was appointed by the board of police and fire commissioners as chief of the fire department of Springfield. In 1875 he had joined the paid fire department when the call system was in use and continued as a call man until 1887, when he was Made assistant chief, continuing in that position until promoted to the position of chief of the department. Thus he gradually advanced, until he now stands at the head of this important service in the city. During his relation with the fire department he has been engaged in fighting some very large and serious conflagrations, but he has sound judgment, executive force and is a man that is cool and collected in times of danger, and this has enabled him to so direct the men and use the apparatus in a manner that has been most effective in quelling the fiery element. He has thirty-five men under his supervision, seven engine stations and twenty-five horses in the department. In early life he had been a member of the Rover volunteer fire company. Mr. Follrath has been instrumental in developing the present metropolitan fire system of Springfield and its excellent improvements. The discipline of the men he has maintained at a high standard and the department is a credit to the city and its chief. In the building up of the pension fund Mr. Follrath has taken a very active part and there is now a fund of twenty-five thousand dollars and five men upon the pension list. He has also instituted and built up three of the fire stations of the city.


On the 1st of June, 1876, occurred the n:arriage of Mr. Follrath and Miss Kate Keller, who was born in Fredericksburg, Maryland, and was educated in Dayton, where her father, John Keller, located with the family in her early girlhood. Two children have been born of this union, bit the daughter died in infancy. Clarence W., born in 1879, is at home with his father.


528 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


Mr. Follrath is a member of Clark Lodge, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Springfield Council, R. & S. M.; and Palestine Commandery, K. T. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Engineers and was the vice-president for one year. He takes an active part in all of its conventions and is widely known to firemen throughout the country. Both he and his wife are members of St. John's German Lutheran church, and to church and charitable work he is a liberal contributor, and in matters of citizenship he is progressive and public-spirited. He now resides at No. 95 West Columbia street, where he purchased land and built for himself and family a pleasant home. Springfield acknowledges its indebtedness to his efforts in her behalf in protecting the city from great losses of property and life through fire and his labors in this direction certainly make him worthy of public confidence and regard.


HENRY FOLLRATH


Henry Follrath has been engaged in the commission business in Springfield for a longer period than any other man connected with this line of trade. He has prospered in his undertakings and is today one of the men of affluence in the city, respected and honored for what he has accomplished and the manner in which he has gained his creditable position in trade circles.


He was born in, Springfield on Christmas day of 1855, a son of Henry and Anna B. (Seifert) Follrath. His father was born in Germany in January, 1825. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation and' under the parental roof Henry Follrath, Sr., remained, attending school during his youth, and also learning the cabinet-maker's trade. On crossing the Atlantic to America he landed at New York and thence made his way to Pittsburg, where he remained for a time. In 1849 he arrived in Springfield, where he was employed at his trade for a time, while later he began business for himself. He also engaged in the undertaking business and conducted a grocery store in Springfield. He was united in marriage in May, 1850, to Miss Mary Barbara Seifert, whose birth occurred in Germany in '1822. She came to America in 1846, making her way to Springfield, Ohio, and here she has since lived. She has seen the city grow from a mere hamlet to a thriving metropolitan center of over forty thousand inhabitants. She was a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Seifert. Her father was a farmer in Germany and was also a wagon-maker. Both he and his wife lived and died at the old home place in their native land, and on crossing the ocean Mrs. Follrath joined her brother, Adam Seifert, who was engaged in the hotel business on East Main street in Springfield.


Unto Mr. and Mrs. Follrath were born five children : George, who is now chief of the fire department, and is represented on another page of this work ; Flora, who is the wife of Squire Riegle and resides in Springfield, having one daughter, Verna, who is now the wife of Robert Netts, of this city, by whom she has one child, Lucile; Henry, of this review ; Charles, who died in childhood and William D., who completes the family. He conducts a tinning establishment in Springfield, in which city he was born December 11, 1860. He was educated in the schools here and learned his trade here. He is now a member of the firm known as the Furman & Follrath Company, doing busi-


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ness at No. 93 West Main street. He married Miss Clara E. Shillings, a native of Springfield, and a daughter of Benjamin and Lena Shillings, both residents of this city. They have one child, Benjamin.



Henry Follrath, the father of our subject, erected a brick residence in Springfield, and also has two other homes here. He borrowed the money in order to gain a start in hie, but with determined purpose he steadily worked his way upward, achieving success through earnest and persevering effort. His death occurred May 13, 1888, and he was laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. He was a member of the German Benevolent Society and of the St. John's Evangelical German church. From early life dependent upon his own resources, all he achieved was the direct result of his. own labor, and he won not only a comfortable competence but also the confidence and good will of his fellow men, because his life was in accord with honorable, manly principles.


Henry Follrath, whose name introduces this record, is indebted to the public schools of Springfield for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He continued his school work until fifteen years of age, when he began to learn the trade of a painter and followed that pursuit for six years. He afterward engaged in clerking for ten years, spending six or seven years as a clerk in a retail fruit store. He then began business for himself by opening a wholesale commission house on High street in 1888. He remained at that place for a year and then removed to Market street. but soon returned to High street, where he has since been located. His store extends through to North Market Place, occupying two store rooms facing on each street. He is today the oldest commission merchant in the business in this city. He started on a small scale, but has gradually enlarged his stock to meet the growing demands of his patronage, and today controls an extensive trade. He is well known throughout this portion of Ohio as a representative, successful and reliable business man, who maintains pleasant relations with his patrons and at all times is straightforward in his dealings.


On the 29th of October, 1879, Mr. Follrath was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Circle, a native of this county and a sister of Mrs. A. K. Hahn. She is a member of the First Lutheran church and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Follrath is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and with the Knights of Khorassan and in his political views he is a Democrat. His life record is in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in the city of his birth and among his own people Mr. Follrath has attained an enviable position because of his success. He possesses excellent business qualifications, combined with the fitting sense of honor in all trade tranactions, and today he is enjoying an extensive business, which has returned to him well merited affluence.


JESS M. MARSHALL.


Jess M. Marshall, who is occupying the position of letter carrier in Springfield, was born near Cedarville, in Greene county, Ohio, September 6, 1866, and is a son of George W. and Eliza J. (Todd) Marshall. The mother makes her home with her son Jess, who is the younger of her two children. The daughter, Minnie, is the wife of Andrew Fink, who resides at No. 195 East street, in


530 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


Springfield. In 1871 the mother and her children came to Clark county, settling in Pitchin, and the subject of this review was educated in the district schools. When eleven years of age, however, he left the schoolroom and began working on a farm, being thus employed until 1884, when he came to Springfield. Here he 'found employment in the East street shops as a packer. From his early youth he had been dependent upon his own resources and is therefore a self-made man. He deserves much credit for what he has done in the way of achieving a competence. He remained in the shops for five years and in the meantime learned the meat cutting trade and worked for Mr. Fink, who now 'conducts a meat market. In 189o, however, Mr. Marshall abandoned that line of business, having been appointed by P. M. Cartmell, then postmaster at Springfield, to the position of letter carrier. He has since acted in this capacity and saving his earnings he has placed his money in that safest of all investments—real estate—and is now the owner of, considerable valuable land which is the visible evidence of his life of industry. He resided on Clifton street until December, 1900, when he removed to his farm just outside of the city in 'Green township. He had purchased this property, comprising eighty-two acres, in 1896. He rents the land and maintains his residence upon the place, having there a very pleasant and comfortable home.


On the 17th of September, 189o, Mr. Marshall was united in marriage to Georgia E. Shocknessy, who was born in Green township, June 10, 1868, a daughter of Michael Shocknessy, who resides at No. 532 Clifton street, Springfield, and is a retired farmer. Unto our subject and his wife have 'been born three children: Florence E., born in 1891 ; Robert W., born in 1893; and Edgar H., born in -1897. They are now students in Hopewell school.


In his political affiliation's Mr. Marshall is a stalwart Republican, but has never had any desire to fill public office. He is connected with the civil service and by reason of his merit and ability is continued in the government position which he now occupies. He is a member of the National Union, an insurance organization, and also belongs to the National Association of Letter Carriers. Mr. Marshall has a wide acquaintance in Springfield and throughout the surrounding country and his social manner and obliging Klisposition have gained for him many warm friends. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life and his success has come as a direct result of his own labors.


CHARLES ROUSH.


Charles Roush, who is engaged in farming and dairying in Green township, was born in Springfield township. Clark county, April 1, 1866, his parents being J. M. and Catherine (Otstot) Roush. He was reared upon the farm, acquiring a common school education, and remained at home until the time of his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 24th of November, 1896, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Victoria Bosley, of Springfield. She was born in Harrison county, Ohio, August io, 1874, and is a daughter of James and Mary Ellen (Ralston) Bosley, both of whom are natives of the same county and are now living retired in Cleveland.


After his marriage Mr. Roush removed to the farm upon which he is now living,


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having there ninety acres of good land, which is attractive and well improved. He has placed his farm under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to general agricultural work he is engaged in dairying, keeping a number of cows of a good grade for this purpose. Everything about his place is neat and attractive in appearance and the products of his dairy and of his fields find a ready sale on the market.


Unto Mr. and Mrs. Roush has been born one son, Clarence Kay, born November 25, 1897. Politically Mr. Roush is a Republican, but he is not an office seeker. He is a self-made man, having acquired all that he possesses through his own efforts. He and his wife are valued residents of Green township, taking an interest in the progress and welfare of their community, and enjoy the. regard and respect of their friends and acquaintances.


It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the family history of Mrs. Roush. James Bosley, her father, was born in Cross Creek township, Harrison county, October 8, 1841, his parents being Thomas and Sarah (Hilbert) Bosley, the former born near Baltimore, Maryland, where he grew to manhood and was married. In 1832 he emigrated westward to Ohio. The family is of English descent, the grandfather of James, Samuel Bosley, having been born in England, whence he crossed the briny deep to Maryland with his father, but the latter afterward returned to England and there spent his remaining clays. The grandfather came to Ohio, but subsequently went to West Virginia, and his death occurred near Wheeling. He had the following children : Rachel, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Samuel and Thomas.


Thomas Bosley died in Harrison county, Ohio. He was a shoemaker by trade and in order to provide for his family followed that pursuit for many years. He had ten children who reached years of maturity, but only three of the number are yet living. Amos is a contractor and builder residing in St. Louis, Missouri, while Greenbury is living in East St. Louis, and is also a contractor. The third surviving member of the family is James Bosley. There were two uncles of Mr. Bosley, Thomas and Greenbury Bosley, who never married and who owned three hundred and twenty acres of land where Baltimore now stands. This they leased for ninety-nine years. This land should now be in the hands of the Bosley heirs, of whom Mrs. Roush is one. She was the fifth in a family of ten children, nine of whom grew to years of maturity, while Lucy E. died in infancy. The others are: Hilbert R., who is engaged in the grocery business in Dayton ; Lewis Walter, a machinist of Cleveland, Ohio; Lawrence Scott, a fireman of Springfield; Robert H., a printer of Cleveland ; Bertha Olive, the wife of James Christopher, of Springfield ; Mac Leroy, who is a machinist, of Cleveland ; Sidney Baxter, who died at the age of twenty-three years, one month and three days ; and Daniel Claud, who died at the age of sixteen years and four months.


TEMPEST W. WILSON.


Tempest W. Wilson is the oldest member of the police force of Springfield in years of continuous connection therewith. He is familiarly known as "Temp" Wilson, and throughout this state he has a wide acquaintance, having gained many friends by reason


532 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


of his fidelity to duty and by his genial manner. He was born near the town of York,. in York county, Pennsylvania, March 31. 1847, and in the paternal line he comes of English ancestry, while on the maternal side the line of descent can be traced back to German ancestors.


John H. Wilson, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, born, reared and educated in York county, Pennsylvania. He married Sarah Heistand, also a native of the same locality, and died at the age of fifty-two years, and his wife passed away in York county, Pennsylvania, when about seventy-six years of age. In their family were eleven children, of whom three daughters and five sons are yet living. namely : Mary Mrs. Emma Haffer ; Sarah John, who is an engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad and resides in Philadelphia ; Tempest W., of this review ; Stephen, who is proprietor of a hotel at Wrightsville, Pennsylvania; Webster, who carries on farming on the old homestead ; and Frank, who is a foreman in a cigar manufactory. Those who have passed away are : Heistand, George and Thomas, who died in Pennsylvania. The others are all living in Pennsylvania, with the exception of our subject. Upon the old home farm they were reared, while in the common schools they pursued their education. The father died when the children were small, but the widow kept her children together, putting forth every effort to provide a comfortable home for them.


As Tempest W. Wilson was one of the oldest of the family, he 'began to support himself at the age of sixteen years and for several years was employed as a farm hand. He afterward spent eighteen months in loading and running ore cars from the mines to the furnaces. He was foreman of a con struction gang in Maryland on the mew railway and later he came to Ohio. He had some relatives living in Clark county and in 3870 he made his way to this locality. Here he worked upon a truck farm for a short time and then came to the city, where he found employment as a laborer in the shops of the New Champion Company, being thus employed through three years. For a time he served in the fire department of the city and then returned to the shops, but later again entered the fire department, with which he was connected for thirteen months. At a meeting of the city council he was elected to a position on the police force February 3, 1875, and has since been connected with this department of the city service, proving a very efficient officer. For about two years he was city detective. At that time he met with an accident, being shot in an encounter with a criminal, and he yet carries the bullet in his body. Since 1894 he has been captain of patrol No. 1, and in all the departments of the service with which he has been connected he has proven an efficient officer.


Mr. Wilson was married in Springfield in 1878 to Ellen Day, who was born in Greene county, was educated in the public schools, and was living in this city at the time of her marriage. They now have six children, four sons and two daughters : Frank, who is employed in a tool shop in Chicago, Illinois; Ellen, a milliner working at her trade in Spring-field; Harold ; Paul ; Ruth ; and Carroll John. Mrs. Wilson is a member of St. Raphael's Catholic church, and the children were educated in the parochial school connected with that church.


Mr. Wilson has made his own way in the world from the age of sixteen years, and although he has met with some difficulties and obstacles, he has steadily advanced, ow-


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ing to his fidelity to duty and to his capability. He now resides at No. .56 West Columbia street, haying purchased his home there in 1902. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of Ephraim Lodge, I. O. O. F., and also of the Firemen's Relief Association, of which he was one of the organizers while connected with the fire department. He is now the oldest man in continuous service on the police force of this city, and this fact indicates unmistakably how faithful he has been to his duties as a preserver of the peace and of law and order.


HERMAN VOGES, SR.


Among the men of foreign birth who have sought homes in America, becoming important factors in the business life of the communities with which they are identified, is Herman Voges. Sr., superintendent and general manager of the Springfield Coal & Ice Company. He was borne in Peine, Hanover, Germany. in 1844, and in his native country acquired a good common school education. After putting aside his text books he was apprenticed to learn the hardware business, serving for four years and after completing his trade he continued three years longer in the employ of the same firm as a clerk and bookkeeper.


The favorable reports concerning the new world which reached Mr. Voges attracted him to the United States, and with the desire to benefit his financial condition, he made his way across the Atlantic to New York city. He did not tarry long in the eastern metropolis, but went directly to Cincinnati, where he found employment in a hardware store, acting as salesman in that establishment for five years. In 1870 he went to College Corner, near the Ohio and Indiana line, there opening a hardware store on his own account. The new enterprise was attended with a fair degree of success and he conducted it for five years, after which he sold out.


In 1875 Mr. Voges came to Springfield and was employed by the Champion Bar & Knife Company, with which he remained for seven years as shipping clerk. On the expiration of that period he entered into partnership under the firm name of Voges & Hedges, this relation existing until June, 1883, when the Champion Coal & Ice Company was organized with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, the officers being : E. S Kelly, president; M. M. Hedges, secretary: and H. Voges, manager. From the beginning to the present time Mr. Voges has remained in the responsible position which he now fills. It was in May, 1.888, that the company was reorganized and incorporated with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, with the following named officers : W. S. Wilson, president and treasurer ; T. W. Ludlow, secretary; and H. Voges, general manager. The company deals extensively in coal, coke, and also handles sewer pipe and cement and is engaged in the manufacture of ice. The location of the ice plant is at the corner of Warder and Water streets and the capacity is fifty tons daily, .a fact which indicates that there is a large trade extended to the company. In the coal and coke business the company also does a wholesale as well as retail business. In the various lines these commodities are handled in extensive quantities and the success of the enterprise is due in no small measure to the energy, business sagacity and capable control of Mr. Voges.


534 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


In 1868 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Voges aiid Miss Ida Sattler, of Cincinnati, Ohio, a well known resident of that place. This union has been blessed with the following children : Herman is a member of the firm of Voges & Perks Tool Company manufacturers of solid die automatic 651t, threading machinery and grinding and polishing machines. The other members of the family are William F., Albert, Olga, Ida and Flora. They have a pleasant home at No. 406 South Fountain avenue and Mr. Voges has accumulated a good property, although he started out in life empty handed. He realizes that in this country, more than in any other, is success clue to energy, determination and strong purpose and it has been along these lines that he has advanced to a very creditable position in commercial circles in Springfield.


MICHAEL C. RUSSELL


Michael C. Russell is a cement paving contractor and is not only a good artisan with a thorough understanding of mechanical principles, but has taken advanced steps in the line of his chosen pursuit, as a designer of new kinds of curbs and walks, and in this way he has added not a little to the improvement of the city. Mr. Russell is a native of Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, born on the 4th of August, 1854, and is a son of Hugh Russell, who was born in Queens Ferry, Scotland, in 1814, but who died in Springfield, Ohio, October 5, 1902. He was educated in paid schools of his native country, acquiring a fair knowledge and becoming a well read man through research, reading and investigation after leaving the school room. He also possessed considerable mathematical skill. In early life he engaged in granite cutting in Scotland and when he came to Springfield he entered into business relations with James Mott, conducting a stone-cutting enterprise. The year 1866 witnessed his arrival in Ohio, at which time he and his family located in Xenia, in Greene county, and in 1869 they sought a home in Springfield, where the father maintained his residence until his death. He had married Elizabeth Conning, who was born in Creetown, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, in 181.4. being but three months younger than her husband. She died December 10, 1898, having reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Russell five sons and two daughters had been born ere their emigration to the new world. The eldest of these was William, and the second Anthony C. They came to America in the year 1861 and both joined the Union army, after which no news was ever received from William and it is supposed that he was killed in battle. Anthony C. was wounded in the bat-. tle of the Wilderness while serving with General Keifer in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but at the close of the war he received an honorable discharge and, recovering from his injuries, lived many years. He passed away in Mexico in 1901, and his remains were interred in Ferncliff cemetery in Springfield. Hugh Russell is represented on another page of this work. James R. is living retired in this city. Michael C. is the fifth in the family. Elizabeth is the wife of William McCullough, and Mary J., wife of Andrew J. Burnett, died in Texas, and was also laid to rest in Ferncliff cemetery. While in the land of hills and heather the father was a member of the United Presbyterian church and both in


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Xenia and in Springfield held member ship with the same denomination. In politics he was a Republican, but was never an aspirant for office. His was a long, useful and honorable career and he received the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years.


Michael C. Russell attended the paid schools of Scotland until fourteen years of age, but afterward spent two years in the public schools of Xenia. He also attended the southern and western schools in this city and a.t the age of eighteen years he became an active factor in the industrial world, working with his father, under whose direction he mastered the stone-cutter's trade. He was afterward employed as a journeyman for four years and then began working at ce ment work. He entered the employ of I. Ward Frey, with whom he remained for a time, after which he formed a partnership with George H. Frey, Sr., and was thus in business for two years. While with Mr. I. Ward Frey, who had the contract for laying cement walks, he aided in laying the first walks of that character ever put down in the city. After the partnership was formed they devoted their entire time to this business. As before stated Mr. Russell was associated with George H. Frey for two years and on the expiration of that period he entered into partnership with his father, Hugh Russell. Sr., and the business was carried on by them for six years, our subject doing the active work of the firm. He then started upon an independent business career and the first contracts which were ever awarded to him, and which were executed a.t Santa Ana, 'California, required four months for the completion of the work. On the expiration of that period he returned home and has since engaged in business as a contractor of cement walks and curbs. He also laid the first cement walks in Dayton, in Xenia, in Delaware, and Kenton, Ohio. Until 1897 he had no competition in his business, but since that year other firms have come into the field, but Mr. Russell maintains a leading position in his line. He also takes and -executes contracts for all kinds of cement paving and employs fourteen men in carrying on the business. He has done work in this direction for the best and oldest families of the city and three teams are continually utilized in hauling materials. To his business he gives his personal supervision and has all that he can well attend to. He was the first contractor to lay the combination curbing and gutter, a design of his own. He has added many improvements in the composition of walks and on many beautiful streets of the city he has constructed some of the finest walks. To him was awarded the contract for building the combination curb and gutter in Ferncliff cemetery. Mr. Russell purchases cement by the carload and in 1901 he used twelve carloads, and in 1902 sixteen carloads, showing the substantial increase in his business. His work is of a substantial and lasting character, as is shown by the fact that walks which he laid twenty-two years ago seem as. good today as when put down. The walk which he makes is laid in sections independent of each other. As his financial resources have increased he has become the owner of several building lots in Springfield and has been very successful in all his business affairs.


On the 12th of February, 1880, in Delaware, Ohio, Mr. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Emma. Wohlater, who was born in Delaware. Ohio, in 1855, a daughter of Christopher Wohlater. who was a molder by trade, 'hut is now deceased. In his family


536 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


were five children : Caroline, the wife of John Riddle, of Delaware, Ohio; Mrs. Russell; Hattie, the wife of Charles Brown, of Cleveland, Ohio: Lillie, the wife of Charles Matthews, who is foreman of the B. H. Winter Lithographing Company ; and William, who is engaged in the dry-goods business in New York city. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been born two children : Roy R., who died at the age of one year ; and May Belle. who is attending Wittenberg College, and will there complete a course in music in 1904. Mr. Russell purchased a lot and in 1885 built his modern home, which was the first erected on College avenue. He and his wife hold membership in the United Presbyterian church and he belongs to Red Star Lodge, K. P., also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a Republican and has served as a delegate to county and state conventions, but would never accept public office. Entering upon his business career with opportunity before him but with no capital to assist him, he has proven that adaptability, unremitting diligence and honorable dealing may constitute a firm foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of success. His reputation in his chosen field of labor is one which extends throughout the city and his efforts in this direction have been of benefit to the various circles in which he has labored and at the same time have brought to him creditable and gratifying prosperity.


CHRISTIAN KUQUA.


The man of wealth is not the one whom the American citizens hold in the highest regard, but he who can plan his own advancement and accomplish it in the face of competition and obstacles that are always to be met in the business world. The "captains of industry" are those whose business foresight can recognize opportunity and whose executive force can utilize advantages which are not given to one alone, but perhaps encompass the whole race. The life history of Christian Kuqua is simply that of a successful man who owes his advancement to close application, energy, strong determination and executive ability. He has never allowed outside pursuits to interfere with the performance of business duties or the meeting of any business obligations and thus he stands today one of the prosperous residents of Springfield, strong in his honor and his good name. He deserves, however, special credit because at the early age of seven years he was thrown upon his own resources and has since that time depended entirely upon his own labors for advancement, so that whatever he has achieved is the direct result of his enterprising efforts. He is today successfully and extensively engaged in the manufacture of carriages in Springfield as the senior member of the firm of Kuqua & Son, where he has carried on business since 1883.


Mr. Kuqua was born in Wittenberg, Germany, August 12, 1825, and was the youngest son of Charles and Clara Kuqua.. The father died in Germany in 1826, after which the mother came with her four sons to America, settling in Baltimore, Maryland, where she remained for five years and thence removed to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Charles, her eldest son, reached the age of eighty years and died in Erie, Pennsylvania, after a successful career as a jeweler. John enlisted for service in the United States army in the Civil war and was among the missing


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after hostilities ceased. William went west to Utah, and no news has since been received of him. He had two daughters: Katherine, now the wife of William Houston, of Columbus, Ohio; and Mrs. Cyrus Dilger, of Fairfield county, Ohio. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Kuqua became the wife of John Detwiler, and she died in Lancaster, Ohio, when about seventy years of age.



When a little lad of seven summers Christian Kuqua was bound out. He remained in Pennsylvania until after he had attained his majority, and in the meantime learned the carriage making trade. His educational privileges, however, were very limited, as he had no opportunity to attend either day of night school. In the school of experience, though, he has gained much practical knowledge and his mind has 'been continually broadened trough research and observation. When he had attained to man's estate he came to Ohio, settling first in Lancaster, where he opened a shop for the conducting of the carriage-maker's trade.


It was in that city in 1851 that Mr. Kuqua was united in marriage to Sarah E. Jackson. who was born in Fairfield county. Ohio, in 1833, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families there. Het-father, Samuel Jackson, was a farmer, operating. in Fairfield county, Ohio, and his parents were from Maryland. For twenty-five years he served as justice of the peace and was a leading and influential resident of his community. He died in Fairfiold county at the age of seventy-three, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Collins, passed away in 1873. She was a native of Fairfield county and belonged to one of the old families established there in pioneer times. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were born twelve children, of whom nine are vet living, namely : Sarah E., the wife of our subject ; Mrs. James Fickle, of Groveport, Ohio; Mrs. Elizabeth Swartz, a widow living in Columbus ; Catherine, the wife of Thomas Moyer, of Fairfield county ; Maria, the wife of Joel Fickle, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Emma, the wife of Lemuel Grove, who was the captain of a Union company in the Civil ar, and now residing in Onarga, Illinois ; Jacob J., who was for many years superintendent of schools in Springfield and is now living in Des Moines, Iowa; John C., who is pastor of the Eastwood Congregational church in Columbus, Ohio; and Frank, who is pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of West Jefferson, Ohio. Mrs. Kuqua acquired her education in the common schools and in a select school, and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven children, all of whom reached years of maturity : Clara became the wife of Boyd Hollenbeck and died in Springfield at the age of thirty-three years. She had three children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Mrs. Ada Baker and Mrs. Alice Berkey. Charles, the second member of Mr. Kuqua's family, is associated in business with his father and is married and makes his home in Springfield. Henrietta is the wife of Oliver Batt, of Fairfield county, Ohio, and has three children—Carrie, Wilbur and Alice. Samuel J. is a traveling salesman for the Babcock Carriage Manufactory of Watertown, New York, and lives in Columbus. For five rears he was a partner in his father's business in Springfield. He has two daughters, Fern and Pauline. Elmer E., the fifth member of the family, is now associated in business with his father, is married and has one son, Lawrence. Alice C. is the wife of Charles Cartmell, of Springfield. by whom she has two children, Madison and Sarah. Mary K.


538 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


the youngest of the family, became the wife of Edward Donnell and died at the age of, twenty-six years. Her one child and her husband have also passed away. These children were educated in the public schools cf Winchester and Springfield, and the family is one of prominence in the community.


At various places Mr. Kuqua has carried on carriage manufacturing. He conducted a business near Lancaster and afterward at East Rushville, at Logan, Ohio, at Canal Winchester, and in 1883 came to this city. The various undertakings which he has established have prospered. He began business here on a small scale on Main street, but gradually he enlarged his plant in order to meet the demands of the growing trade and in 1901 he built an extensive factory, which he equipped with modern machinery. The firm of Kuqua & Son ranks. high as representatives of industrial interests of the city. With a comprehensive and thorough understanding of his 'business, gained through practical experience, Mr. Kuqua is well qualified to direct the labors of the men and today he stands at the head of a large 'and growing business, while the output of his factory is sent to many parts of the country. He manufactures various kinds and designs of carriages which, because of their durability and excellent workmanship and finish, find a ready sale on the market. The house, too, sustains an unassailable reputation for fair dealing.


Both Mr. and Mrs. Kuqua hold membership in the Central Methodist Episcopal church and he was at one time a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Logan. He now has a pleasant home at No'. 94 Pearl street, and this, together with his business, is the visible evidence of his life of industry. He certainly deserves the proud American title of a self-made nian, for when but seven years of age he began to earn his own living and without aid or influence has steadily worked his way upward and his earnest toil has been the sure foundation upon which he has builded his prosperity.


ISAAC KAY, M. D.


A history of Springfield would not fulfill its designated purpose or reach complteion without mention of Dr. Isaac Kay, for no other physician of the city has practiced so continuously here as this gentleman. His usefulness can not be measured by any known standard, but for forty-nine years he has gone about among his fellow men, relieving pain and suffering, restoring health and prolonging life. Long after he shall have passed away he will be held in grateful remembrance by those who have benefited by his services. Not only his professional skill, but his kindly temperament, his genial manner and unfailing sympathy have endeared him to those with whom he has come in contact.


The Doctor is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred near Chambersburg, on the 8th of December, 1828. His parents were William. and Susanna (Unger) Kay, also natives of the Keystone state, and he traces his ancestry back to John Kay (or Key, as the name is sometimes spelled), whose parents came from England in the same fleet with William Penn during the year .1682. He was born in the month of December, 1682, near the Delaware river, upon ground subsequently taken into the first plat of Philadelphia, and died in Kennett Square, Chester county, Pennsylvania,


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on the nth of July, 1767, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His son, John Kay, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, in 1734; was a manufacturer of firearms for the American government during the Revolutionary struggle, and finally died in the city. of his birth in 1804, aged seventy years. The latter's son, John Kay, grandfather of our subject, was born September 6, 1763. and married Elizabeth King, of nearly the same age. In 1801 he removed to Franklin county. Pennsylvania, and died October 13, 1832. William Kay, our subject's father, was born in Pennsylvania, February 22, 1800, and his mother was born in 1809.


Dr. Kay was reared in the state of his nativity until 1836. when the family removed to Ohio. When his medical education was completed he began the practice of medicine, having determined to make it his life work. He became a student in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, in which he was graduated in the spring of 1849. He then began practice in Lewisburg, Ohio. and after four years' residence there, he arrived in Springfield on the 18th of May, 1853, so that he has been a resident of this city and a member of its medical profession for almost a half century. No other physician has so long been continuously connected with the profession here and throughout it these years he has occupied a foremost place in the ranks of the medical fraternity, honored and respected by his fellow practitioners as well. as by the general public.


The Doctor had been married prior to his arrival here. On the 4th of November, 1852. he had wedded Miss Clara. M. Deckert, of Miamisburg, Ohio, and for fifty years they have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and


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sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years have gone by. Their home was blessed with two sons : Charles S. and Clarence H., both of whom are residents of Springfield, the latter being associated with his father in the practice of medicine.


Upon the organization of the Republican party Dr. Kay espoused its cause and has never wavered in his allegiance to its principles, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. For a half century he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and in his life has truly exemplified its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. From the foundation of the Gentlemen's Literary Club he has been one of its members and has thus been identified with the intellectual culture of the city. From early manhood down to the present time he has also been a member of the Baptist church. These social, fraternal and religious relations indicate clearly what has been the life of the man.


His attention, of course, has been mainly given to his professional duties, which have been extensive, because his ability has made his services in constant demand. He has been a member of the Clark County Medical Society for forty-eight years, and for at least one-third of this time has served as its secretary, while on two different occasions he has been honored with the election to its presidency. For forty-seven years he has been a prominent member of the Ohio State Medical Association. In the summer of 1869 he was, in connection with Drs. 0. G.. Sheldon and E. W. Howard, both of this state, appointed on a committee of three to appear before the Ohio legislature in order to secure, if possible. a law for improv-


542 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


ing the opportunities of studying. practical anatomy. In this purpose the committee was eminently successful. For this essential service in behalf of the medical profession these three committeemen had publicly conferred upon them, in March, 1871, the honorable and highly prized Addendum degree in medicine, by the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati. Dr. Kay has read a number of papers before the Ohio Medical Society, particularly at its sessions held r in Delaware, Columbus and Cleveland, in the years 1868, 1869 and 1880, respectively, and at the annual meeting held at Cincinnati in May, 1871, he was elected its first vice-president. For many years Dr. Kay has been in the habit of contributing articles occasionally to the medical and surgical journals of the day. He has served as physician to the Clark County Infirmary, and also as city. physician, acting in each capacity for a number of terms, and for almost nine years he was a member of the board of education of Springfield. He was also coroner of Clark county for one term. On the 4th of March, 1898, which was the fiftieth anniversary day of his graduation, and also the semi-annual occasion of Starling Medical College, Dr. Kay was elected president of the Alumni Association. He signalized his incumbency of the office during the year by producing a completely classified catalogue of all the graduates of the college from its foundation in 1848 to the year 1898, together with a note of most of the deaths which had occurred among them during that time. It was a catalogue constructed upon a new plan, and consisted of two parts; first, an alphabetical list, including the entire semi-centennial period; and second, a separate and distinct class registry for each one of the fifty years. For this laborious and useful service he received an expression of high commendation from the college authorities.


Dr. Kay has succeeded in his life work because he deserved to succeed; he is great because nature endowed him generously; and he studiously, carefully and continually increased the talents which were given him. He is one of the most honored and capable representatives of the medical fraternity in Ohio, of strong intellectual force and broad sympathy, he made the most of his opportunities, and regarding his profession as something besides a means of earning wealth. he put into his life work the best efforts of heart and mind. He has received the generous commendation of his contemporaries and the respect of the younger members of the profession. who unite in bearing testimony to his high character and his superior mental gifts. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.


CLARENCE H. KAY, M. D.


Dr. Clarence H. Kay early turned his attention to the profession which has for its object the noble aim of assisting one's fellow man. From the outset of his business career Dr. Kay has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery and has fully sustained the enviable reputation which has ever been connected with the family name.


The Doctor was born in this city on the 28th of October, 1856, and has spent his entire life in Springfield. He is a son of Dr. Isaac and Clara M. (Deckert) Kay. After acquiring a thorough literary training


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he began reading medicine with his father and later entered the Columbus Medical College, where he remained for one term. He next became a student in the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated from that institution in March, 1882. He also took a special course in gynecology in the Cincinnati hospital and to some extent has made this branch of medical science a specialty. On the 1st of April, 1882, he began practicing medicine in Springfield in connection with his father and the association between them has been maintained up to the present time. To the experience and mature judgment of the senior partner was added the energy and enthusiasm as well as the ambition of the son. By this means the firm became a very strong one and has ever maintained a leading position in the ranks of the medical fraternity. Dr. Kay of this review is now a member of the staff of the Mitchell-Thomas hospital of this city. For fifteen years he was in charge of the medical department of the county infirmary. He is also examining physician for twelve life insurance companies, performing this work in addition to the demands of his large private practice. For several years past he has been giving special attention to electro-therapy. He is a member of the Clark County Medical Society, of the Ohio State Medical Society and Roentgen Ray Society of America.


In 1881 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Kay and Miss Florence Wilson, a daughter of Washington and Mary (Foreman) Wilson, her father being one of the prominent old citizens and a retired farmer of Springfield. The Doctor is a member of the First Presbyterian church and is connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Clark Lodge. No. 101, F. & A. M. Springfield Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M. ; Springfield Council, No. 17, R. & S. M. ; and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T. He was president of the Springfield board of education during the years of 1888 and 1889. He has a wide acquaintance in Springfield, being known among his numerous friends as a courteous and most genial gentleman. Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. In person, in talents and in character, Dr. Kay well. maintains the family name and in his Chosen profession he has added new lustre to it.


PROFESSOR ZACHARY TAYLOR.


This gentleman is one of the prominent and most competent representatives of educational work in Springfield or the surrounding country and is to-day the principal of the Lincoln school. He is one of the native sons of Clark county, his birth having occurred in the village of Enon on the 3oth of April, 1852. His father, Samuel Taylor, was a native of Maryland, born in 1808, and was a stone-mason by trade, which business he followed to a greater or less extent throughout his active life. He married Miss Nancy Mummert, also a native of Maryland, and in 1849 they removed from that state to Ohio, settling in the village of Enon, Clark county, which was their home until called to their final rest. The father died in 1888 and the mother in 1868.


Professor Taylor acquired his early education in the public schools of Enon, and in


544 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


1871 he began teaching, having charge of the Snyder school west of Springfield the first year. The following year he taught in the extreme southwest corner of Mad River township and then returned to his original school, continuing to teach in the schools of Mad River township until 1879. In the meantime he became interested in local politics and served as clerk of that township five years and as justice of the peace three years, holding both offices the last three years he was in the township.


In August, 1879, Professor Taylor removed to Springfield, and that fall commenced teaching in the Possum school. The following year he taught in the Rockaway school and then gave up teaching for two years, during which time he engaged in business as a contractor in stone work in Springfield and vicinity. He resumed teaching, however, in 1884 at Rocky Point, where he spent two years and then taught about the same length of time at Mill Creek. In February, 1887, he opened a school on Pearl street. Springfield, now known as the Lincoln school, and at the end of two years was, transferred to the Shaffer street school as its principal, in which capacity he served eight years. He then returned to the Lincoln school and has been principal of the same ever since, having eight English and one German teachers under him. In point of service he is today one of the oldest principals of the. city and has been a teacher in this county since 1871 with the exception of two years.


On September 7, 1871, Professor Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Schrock, of Mad River township, a daughter of Franklin and Anna (Miller) Schrock. By this union were born twelve children, ten of whom are still living, namely : Frank M., Stephen D., Clifford S., Inez E., Ralph E.. Clarence B., Howard L., Justin D., Elizabeth M. and Adella M. Lola died at the age of twenty-three years.


The professor and his wife hold membership in the Christian church, and he is also identified with Anthony Large, No. 455, F. & A. M., and Red Star Lodge, No. 205. K. P., of which he is past chancellor. He has also represented the latter organization in the grand lodge of the state, and was actively interested in the founding of the Knights of Pythias Home and was instrumental in securing its location in Springfield. Soon after its opening he was made one of its board of directors, which position he has now filled for eight years. During that time the number of residents of the home has been increased from sixteen to one hundred and fifty and the facilities correspondingly. At the beginning there was only one cottage, but at present there is an administration building, two dormitories and a large dining room and hall with a closed corridor connecting them all. In addition to these there is a hospital building and a modern brick barn. The farm consists of eighty-four acres, forty-nine of which is woodland. The object in founding this place was to furnish a good home for the orphans of the Knights of Pythias, and its success is due in no small measure to the indefatigable labors of Professor Taylor, who has been untiring in promoting its interests.


HERBERT PERRY STEWART


Herbert Perry Stewart, who follows farming on sections 10 and 15, Green township, where he owns and operates one hun-


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dred and fifty acres of land, was born on his father's farm in this township, December 12, 1862. He is a son of Oscar N. and Rachel (Nicholson) Stewart, who are mentioned on another page of this work and are well known residents of Clark county. In his youth the subject of this review enjoyed the pleasures of the playground, performed the duties of the school room and assisted in the farm work while at home. His preliminary education was afterward supplemented by study in Antioch College, where he was a student for several terms. Later he continued his studies in Lebanon for a few terms and thus acquired a good education, fitting himself for the cares of a business life. He has always carried on farm work and the practical experience which he gained in his youth has proven of value to him since he has attained man's estate. He began operating- his father's land, cultivating the old home place until 1895. In the previous year he purchased his present home in Green township and in 1899 he erected thereon a fine, commodious residence, one of the most attractive country places in this portion of Clark county. Around the house is a well kept lawn, adorned with beautiful shade trees. In the rear are good outbuildings and well kept fences divide the fields into convenient size, while the crops of early spring give promise of golden harvests in the autumn.


On the 24th of January, 1889, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Ermina Tuttle, who was born in Green township December 29, 1862, and is a daughter of Isaac and Fannie (Eichelbarger) Tuttle. Four children graced this union : Ira E., born August 14, 1891; Roy Levon, born October 1893: Walter Nesbit. born October 26, 1895 : and Elmer Arthur, born November 28, 1900. The parents are well known in this county, where they have spent their entire lives, and many of the friends of their childhood days are still visitors at their home. Mr. Stewart first voted for James G. Blaine in 1884, and he has always endorsed the Republican party, believing that its principles are best calculated to conserve good government.


GEORGE H. HARRIS.


The city of Springfield has rapidly increased in population in recent years and therefore there has been a great demand for the services of capable and progressive contractors and builders. To this class belongs George H.. Harris and he has received a liberal patronage, because of his thorough understanding of the builder's art, his faithful execution of a contract and his honorable dealings. He is numbered among the native sons of Hamilton county, Ohio, his birth having occurred near Cincinnati. April 5, 1852. He is a son of Shadrach Harris, a contractor and builder of Cincinnati and that vicinity, who was born in Bethel, Ohio, and was a son of James Harris, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was for many years a resident of Bethel, where he died at the advanced age of eighty years. In the family were four sons and a daughter, James, who is living in Shenandoah. Iowa, and Mrs. Martha Ullery, of Clermont county, Ohio, being the surviving members of the family. Shadrach Harris removed to Hamilton county, Ohio, and for many years followed his trade, there being engaged in building in suburban districts of Cincinnati. He died at the age of fifty years. while his


546 - THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


widow, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Cord and was born in 1823, is now living in Springfield at the age of seventy-nine years. After the death of her husband she came to this city, having relatives here. In his political views Mr. Harris was a Republican, but never desired the honors or emoluments of office. In the Methodist Episcopal church he held membership and filled official positions. contributing generously to the support of the church and to the advancement of the cause. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, one of whom died in infancy, while another daughter passed away at the age of eighteen years. The others of the family are Mrs. Arabelle Patterson. of Indianapolis. Indiana ; Asbury, who is a farmer and resides in Springfield ; George H. ; Elizabeth and Ella, who are living with their mother ; Frank. a molder : and Joseph, who is engaged in the butchering business in Springfield. The last named was educated in the public schools of this city and the others in the public schools of Mount Washington. Mrs. Harris is a member of the Congregational church and is a most estimable lady, having gained many friends in Springfield during her residence here.


Like the other members of the household George H. Harris pursued his education in Mount Washington. He came to Springfield in 187o. and entered the employ of James Johnson, Sr., as a carpenter. having previously spent about a year at that trade before his father died. In the fall of 187o, however, he removed to Missouri, where he secured carpentering work for three years, returning to Springfield in 1873. Since that time he has been identified with the building interests of this city, and for about eight years worked as a journeyman in the employ of various contractors. He acted as foreman for some time and in 1885 he entered upon an independent business career. taking his first contract at job work. He has since devoted his attention to job work and to the construction of dwellings in Clark county and acts as his own superintendent.


In 1876. in Springfield, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Harris and Miss Susan Evans, who was born in Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1855. and was a daughter of James Evans. who. about 1865 came to Spring-field and embarked in the shoe business as a member of the firm of Finch & Evans. Thus he was connected with mercantile interests for a number of years 'and his death occurred in this city. Mrs. Harris pursued her education in the schools of Cincinnati and of Springfield and by her marriage she has become the mother of four children : Edna A., who is a graduate of the public schools of Springfield and is now a teacher here : Raymond G.. who is a stenographer in the employ of the government in connection with the land commissioners in Indian Territory Glenna, who is a graduate of the high school and Tames D., who is a high school student of Springfield. Of this family Raymond G. is married. He wedded Martha Dye, of Troy. Ohio, and they now reside at South McAlister. Indian terrtory.


Mr. Harris is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. and also of the Foresters. In politics he is a Democrat where political issues are involved. but at local elections, where the only requisite for office is the capability of the candidate to discharge the business affairs of town or county, he votes independently. His pleasant home is located at No. 3o Perrin avenue, where he purchased land and erected his res-


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idence. His business success is attributable entirely to his own efforts and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.


ROBERT HOMER THORPE.


Robert Homer Thorpe, who follows farming and stock raising on the Springfield and South Charleston pike, was born in Harmony township January 17, 1843, and is a son of Robert and Mary ( Homer) Thorpe. The father was a native of Yorkshire, England, born May 8, 1808, and when nine Years of age came to America with his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Thorpe, who made their way to Ohio and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. The grandfather brought some capital with him and purchased land in 1817. The tract was largely covered with timber. but with characteristic energy he began to clear away the trees and prepare the land for cultivation. In his business affairs he prospered and from time to time he added to his possessions, making his home on the farm until about 1849, when he was called to his final rest. He was the father of nine children, of whom Robert Thorpe was the fifth in order of birth. He was the only one who married and about 1836 he was joined in wedlock to Mary Homer.


The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm which was a part of the Thorpe estate and after the death of the grandfather the father inherited eighty-six acres there. Subsequently he sold that property about 1856 and purchased a larger farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres in Madison township. It remained his home for a few years when he again sold out and bought one hundred acres of land in Harmony township, there carrying on agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. He died February 1, 1881, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Fletcher chapel. His wife was also a native of England and came to the new world with her parents, Richard and Rachel Homer, who settled in Clark county, but later removed to Indiana, taking up their abode near Evansville, where their last days were passed. Unto Robert and Mary :Thorpe were born eight children, six of .whom reached years of maturity. Mrs. Mary J. Mitchell is now living in Springfield township and has four children. Robert Homer is next in order of birth. Rachel Elizabeth became the wife of Leroy Whittredg-e and lives in Springfield township. George C. is a farmer of Harmony township and has three children. Phebe Ellen is the wife of D. A. Sprague. Sarah F. married A. S. Schoenbarger. of Clark county, by whom she has two children. The father of this family was a Whig in his political affiliations in early life and upon the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the Republican party. strongly endorsing its principles, but never seeking or holding office.


The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon the home farm in Harmony township and he acquired a good common school education. On attaining his majority he began working for himself, devoting his attention to stock dealing and agricultural pursuits. In 1869 he went to Kansas, settling in Labette county, where he purchased two hundred and twenty-five acres of land. He did not remain in the west, however, for any great length of time, but returned to Clark county in 1870. He then purchased


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one hundred and six acres of land in Madison township and made his home thereon for nineteen years. He and his brother inherited the farm upon which he is now living and he purchased his brother's interest. The fine brick residence upon the place was erected in 1854, the brick being made from clay obtained on the farm. Mr. Thorpe is a Republican but not an office seeker, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with agricultural pursuits and his labors have been well conducted, and his business so carefully carried on that he has continually increased his capital and is now one of the substantial residents in this part of the state.


HARMAN H. TYNER.


In days of increased commercial activity, advertising is considered one of the most potent elements in conducting successful business affairs. Many methods of advertising have been employed in introducing goods to the market, but not the least of these has been through bill-posting and distributing- and this has led to the building up of a large. business, so that many men are employed in carrying on such work. Mr. Tyner, who is well known throughout Springfield by the title of major, is a billposter and distributor of this city, now conducting a large business because of the liberal patronage extended him.


He was born in Wabash, Indiana, July 20, 1842, and attended the public schools there until fourteen years of age. His parents were Daniel H. and Caroline C. (Flora) Tyner, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Kentucky. In 1856 they removed to Mankato, Minnesota. The father was a general horse trader and buyer and conducted a livery stable. In his political affiliations he was a Republican and he served as sheriff of Blue Earth county, Minnesota, for two terms. His wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and was a devout Christian woman, who passed away in 1887, in Mankato, Minnesota, at the age of sixty-nine years, while her husband died at Medicine Lodge, Kansas, in 1883. at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a self-made man and his position in the business world was the result of his untiring energy and diligence.


To a limited extent, after the removal of the family to Minnesota, Harman H. Tyner attended school in that state, but there were only five houses in Mankato when the family arrived there. He afterward became identified with his father in the livery business and engaged in buying horses for the eastern markets and as he grew older he was given the management of the business. In 1861, at the first call for troops to aid in the preservation of the Union, he enlisted as a drummer in the First Minnesota Regimental Band. The regiment was stationed at Fort Snelling. He was iii no active service during his three months' term of enlistment. Later he re-enlisted for three years, but after fifteen months regimental bands were discharged by general order and he returned home. At the Indian outbreak in Minnesota in the same year he and his father became scouts and served in the battles of New Urn and Wood Lake against the Indians. They organized an independent company, the father being looked upon as a leader in the community because he had served as sheriff of the county and was fa-


THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 549


miliar with all that region, and both father and son served throughout the outbreak.



In 1864 occurred the marriage of Harman H. Tyner and Carrie C. Cannon, who was born in New York in 1838, and had resided in Minnesota for several years prior to her marriage. They had two children: Frank H., the elder, is now conducting a bill-posting plant in Englewood, Illinois. He married Edith Hoff,. of Springfield, Ohio, and they have one son, Elmer. William H. is associated in business with his father and resides at home. In the year 1869 Mr. Tyner come with his family to Springfield and here his wife died in 1894, after thirty years and one month of married life, her remains being interred in Ferncliff cemetery. In 1898, in this city, Mr. Tyner was again married. his second union being with Miss Margaret Reising, who was born, reared and educated in Cincinnati and is a sister of Professor John Reising, the leader of the Big Six Band. With this band our subject was connected as a drummer for seventeen years. He purchased and erected his present home at No. 22 North Race street and there he resides with his wife and son.


After coining to Springfield Mr. Tyner began work as a carpenter and followed that business for four years, being an expert in the use of tools. Finally, however, he drifted into the bill-posting business, purchasing the half interest of a man who conducted a Small plant. Mr. Tyner has since continued. in this line and with the growth of the city his business has increased and he has given to it his personal supervision. He put bill boards up all over the city and has been very successful in enlarging his business and making it a profitable source of income. He was one of the originators and organizers of the Ohio State Bill-Posters Association, which was organized in Columbus in 1890 and has gradually grown until it now covers all of the cities of any importance in the state. He became one of its charter members, was its president in 1894-5 and has served on various committees, while for oneyear he was treasurer of the society. He has the franchise for Springfield and South Charleston and in July, 1902, Urbana was added to his list. He has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of the men with whom he has done business and the firm of H. H. Tyner & Company is a reputable one of Springfield. In 1891 Mr. Tyner joined the National Association and since that time has attended every national convention with one exception. In the thirty-two years of his business career here he has never been censured for neglect of duty by an advertiser. He employs two men throughout the year and is doing a business which is growing and has long since become profitable.


Mr. Tyner belongs to Moncrieffe Lodge, K. of P., also to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he has served as an office holder for five years. He is a member of Springfield Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the Union Veteran Union, and in politics he is a Democrat, save at local elections where no issue is involved, on which occasions he gives his support to the men best qualified for the office. His wife is a member of St. Raphael's church. Both are well known in Springfield and the Major has a large circle of friends here.


W. BRAND TODD


W. Brand Todd, one of the leading citizens and prominent farmers of Green township. was born there on the l0th of August,